Introduction
Throughout history, Christians have asked: “How do we know which is the true Church of Christ?”
The Catholic Church teaches, based on the Bible, the Apostles, and the Nicene Creed (325 AD), that the true Church can only be recognized by four marks: it must be One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.
On the other hand, the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), founded in 1863 by Ellen G. White and others, teaches that the true Church is identified by observing the Saturday Sabbath, the Spirit of Prophecy (Ellen White’s writings), the Three Angels’ Message (Revelation 14), and adherence to dietary rules (health reform).
This raises a vital question: Which identifying marks are true and biblical?
The Four Marks of the True Church (Catholic Teaching)
1. One
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Scripture: John 17:21, Ephesians 4:4–6
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Church Fathers: St. Cyprian (3rd c.): “God is one, and Christ is one, and the Church is one, and the chair is one.”
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CCC 813–815: Unity in faith, worship, and leadership.
2. Holy
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Scripture: Ephesians 5:25–27, 1 Peter 2:9
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Church Fathers: St. Irenaeus: “Where the Spirit of God is, there is the Church and all grace.”
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CCC 823–829: Church is holy because Christ is holy, sanctifying through sacraments.
3. Catholic (Universal)
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Scripture: Matthew 28:19–20, Acts 1:8
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Church Fathers: St. Ignatius of Antioch (107 AD): “Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”
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CCC 830–856: The Church is universal in mission and teaching.
4. Apostolic
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Scripture: Matthew 16:18–19, Ephesians 2:20
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Church Fathers: St. Irenaeus (2nd c.): “It is possible to enumerate those bishops who were appointed by the apostles.”
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CCC 857–865: The Church continues in apostolic succession through bishops.
SDA’s Identifying Marks
According to SDA official writings and Ellen White’s interpretations:
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Sabbath-Keeping (Saturday) – True Church must keep the seventh-day Sabbath (Exodus 20:8–11).
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Spirit of Prophecy – Acceptance of Ellen G. White’s writings as inspired counsel.
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Three Angels’ Message (Revelation 14:6–12) – Preaching judgment, Sabbath, and warnings against “Babylon.”
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Health Reform – Abstaining from unclean foods (Leviticus 11), no alcohol, tobacco, etc.
While these are important disciplines, none of them were ever given by Christ or the Apostles as the identifying marks of the Church.
Biblical and Historical Evaluation
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Sabbath-Keeping?
The New Testament clearly shows the early Christians worshiped on Sunday, the “Lord’s Day” (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10). The Church Fathers (Ignatius, Justin Martyr) confirm this. -
Prophet Testimony?
Hebrews 1:1–2 teaches that revelation was completed in Christ. While prophecy exists, no new “canon of prophecy” equal to Scripture is valid. Ellen White’s writings cannot be placed at the level of Apostolic Tradition. -
Three Angels’ Message?
Catholic teaching affirms Revelation but warns against private interpretations (2 Peter 1:20). Early Christians never used Revelation 14 to define the true Church. -
Dietary Laws?
Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). St. Paul said dietary rules are a “shadow” (Colossians 2:16–17). Holiness comes from Christ, not from diet.
Comparative Table
| Identifying Marks | Catholic Church (Biblical & Historical) | SDA Church (Founded 1863) |
|---|---|---|
| One | United in doctrine, sacraments, papacy (John 17:21) | Divided among Adventist offshoots |
| Holy | Source of holiness is Christ & sacraments (Eph 5:27) | Holiness based on rules (Sabbath, diet) |
| Catholic | Universal, present in all nations (Matt 28:19) | Regional (mostly USA-based in origin) |
| Apostolic | Direct apostolic succession from Peter | No apostolic lineage; founded 1863 |
| Sabbath | Fulfilled in Christ; Lord’s Day = Sunday | Central mark of SDA identity |
| Prophecy | Scripture & Tradition, Apostolic teaching | Ellen White’s writings essentia |
Conclusion
The true marks of the Church of Christ are One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic — proclaimed in the Nicene Creed (325 AD), confirmed by Scripture, and witnessed by the Early Church Fathers.
The SDA identifying marks (Sabbath, Ellen White, prophecy, diet) are extra-biblical and historically late, appearing only in the 19th century. They cannot replace the four marks established by Christ and His Apostles.
Thus, the Catholic Church alone bears the authentic signs of the true Church — visible, historical, and universal — while SDA “marks” are man-made identifiers that deviate from the apostolic tradition.
As the Catechism (CCC 811) teaches:
“The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. These four characteristics, inseparably linked with each other, indicate essential features of the Church and her mission.”
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