What Church is the pillar and support of the truth?

[Dylan569]

"...if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." (1Ti 3:15 NRSVue)

How do we define or distinguish the real "church of the living God"? We can answer, "those that stick to the Bible", or "those that teach the true gospel", and such statements are true, but vague statements. There has to be a common faith that is to be defended: "Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once and for all handed on to the saints." (Jud 1:3 NRSVue)

Doesn't common sense dictate that that faith must be "ecumenical", in other words shared by all in the true Christian faith? There are four ecumenical creeds that are required to be called "Christian", for without a common belief, there is no meaning to being called "Christian" -

The Nicene Creed – Adopted in 325 AD at the First Council of Nicaea and expanded in 381 AD at the Council of Constantinople, this creed is a central statement of Christian belief shared by Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant churches.

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed(325 AD) I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God;...

thewestminsterstandard.org

The Apostles' Creed – An early Christian statement of faith used in various denominations, emphasizing the core tenets of Christianity.

The Apostles’ Creed

The Apostles' Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell.

thewestminsterstandard.org

The Chalcedonian Definition (451 AD) – Defines the nature of Christ as fully divine and fully human, accepted by most Christian traditions except some Oriental Orthodox churches.

The Chalcedonian Creed

The Chalcedonian Definition Therefore, following the holy fathers, we all with one accord teach men to acknowledge one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at once complete in Godhead and complete in manhood, truly God and truly man, consisting also of a reasonable soul and body; of one...

thewestminsterstandard.org

The Athanasian Creed – A theological statement focused on the doctrine of the Trinity and the nature of Christ, historically influential in Western Christianity.

The Athanasian Creed

The Athanasian Creed(6th Century) Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith. Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled; without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity...

thewestminsterstandard.org

We can come into our day and present the:
Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ)

https://lutheranworld.org/sites/default/files/2022-02/joint_declaration_2019_en.pdf

That was a declaration by Lutherans with Roman Catholics, and later joined by Anglicans, Methodists and the Reformed. It is what is generally agreed upon facts about justification that all hold to, yet leaving room for variations among differing faith traditions -

"It does not cover all that either church teaches about justification; it does encompass a consensus on basic truths of the doctrine of justification and shows that the remaining differences in its explication are no longer the occasion for doctrinal condemnations."

Admittedly, an emphasis is given to the role of baptism that is held in the liturgical churches that are not held by those such as myself, for example Baptists; but overall the document is quite good and orthodox.

There will be of course, many crackpots and individualists who will reject any common statement of the Christian faith found in the Creeds and Confessions; but seldom will you see them present in written form their full creed or confession. Saying "No Creed but the Bible" has no true meaning or definition.

 

[bdavidc]

How do we define or distinguish the real "church of the living God"? We can answer, "those that stick to the Bible", or "those that teach the true gospel", and such statements are true, but vague statements.

Your questions about the true Church's definition as the "pillar and support of the truth" highlight correctly that authentic Christianity requires a shared faith among those who truly belong to Christ. The Bible's own presentation of its inspired text as complete and authoritative demands that any authentic definition of Christianity must come directly from the Bible alone. Historic creeds and confessions hold authority only if they accurately reflect biblical teachings without any modification. When Church identity depends mainly on tradition or human consensus instead of Scripture's explicit teachings, it threatens to warp the truth the Church should represent. Jude 1: The reference in Jude 1:3 to "the faith once for all handed down to the saints" underscores the eternal and unmodified nature of Scripture's revealed truth. The authentic Church stands out because it rejects all human-made declarations as its basis and instead stands firm on the inspired Word of God—the Bible—as its exclusive infallible standard for faith and practice.

 

[Dylan569]

Your questions about the true Church's definition as the "pillar and support of the truth" highlight correctly that authentic Christianity requires a shared faith among those who truly belong to Christ. The Bible's own presentation of its inspired text as complete and authoritative demands that any authentic definition of Christianity must come directly from the Bible alone. Historic creeds and confessions hold authority only if they accurately reflect biblical teachings without any modification. When Church identity depends mainly on tradition or human consensus instead of Scripture's explicit teachings, it threatens to warp the truth the Church should represent. Jude 1: The reference in Jude 1:3 to "the faith once for all handed down to the saints" underscores the eternal and unmodified nature of Scripture's revealed truth. The authentic Church stands out because it rejects all human-made declarations as its basis and instead stands firm on the inspired Word of God—the Bible—as its exclusive infallible standard for faith and practice.

Anyone who is sitting in a pew, or listening to a preacher on TV is listening to a "human-made declaration" of doctrine, unless the preacher/teacher is merely reading a particular passage out of God's word without making comment. I do not think any individual has 'more' of the influence of the Holy Spirit than the entire body of Christ, the universal church or household of God.

Just as we compare scripture with scripture, we need to compare doctrines taught from the scripture to see what agrees with word of God, and if there is "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" it better be held by more than one individual, unless that individual boasts of more authority than the "church of the living God".

Personally, when I embrace the First London Confession of Faith as best expressing biblical doctrine as I understand the Bible, that does not keep me from having unity of the faith with genuine 'confessional' churches such as Lutherans, Reformed, etc.

 

[bdavidc]

Anyone who is sitting in a pew, or listening to a preacher on TV is listening to a "human-made declaration" of doctrine, unless the preacher/teacher is merely reading a particular passage out of God's word without making comment. I do not think any individual has 'more' of the influence of the Holy Spirit than the entire body of Christ, the universal church or household of God.

I agree, knowing that numerous deceptive teachers misuse God's Word for selfish reasons or ignorance and this situation demands urgent attention. Before God every individual bears responsibility to understand His revealed truth and follow His Word. The day of judgment will not accept ignorance as a valid defense. People cannot achieve salvation by only attending church or listening to sermons since true salvation requires knowing and trusting God’s Word. Without reading Scriptures themselves many people fail to determine if their beliefs are authentic biblical teachings. The sobering truth remains that countless people follow the broad road because they haven't dedicated time to find truth through God’s Word. Personal engagement with the Bible through reading and study is essential since it stands as the ultimate authority and true source that guides people to life.

Every teaching or sermon represents someone's interpretation of Scripture which necessitates testing all teachings against God's own Word. No individual or organization can add to or exceed the divine revelations presented in God's Word. While the Holy Spirit reveals no new teachings he clarifies existing Scriptural truths which guide believers without contradiction. The church serves a vital function in supporting and guiding its members but its teachings must always align with God's Word. Scripture stands as the ultimate authority rather than the preacher or church tradition or collective church opinion.

Personally, when I embrace the First London Confession of Faith as best expressing biblical doctrine as I understand the Bible, that does not keep me from having unity of the faith with genuine 'confessional' churches such as Lutherans, Reformed, etc.

Maintaining loyalty to a confession such as the First London Confession of Faith is valid when it serves to communicative your grasp of biblical teachings. The essential requirement is that all beliefs and teachings must be evaluated according to Scripture's authority. God's Word must always remain superior to any confession or church tradition, as it is written, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). The genuine unity of faith emerges from believers submitting together to the truths revealed by Scripture instead of relying on common documents. "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17). Although believers might express or arrange their understanding differently, the essential point remains that every person should be rooted in the Bible and both understand and practice its teachings. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). God demands that all believers develop discernment by evaluating everything through His Word and firmly grasp truth, as we are commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22: "But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."

 

[Garee]

"...if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." (1Ti 3:15 NRSVue)

How do we define or distinguish the real "church of the living God"? We can answer, "those that stick to the Bible", or "those that teach the true gospel", and such statements are true, but vague statements. There has to be a common faith that is to be defended: "Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once and for all handed on to the saints." (Jud 1:3 NRSVue)

Doesn't common sense dictate that that faith must be "ecumenical", in other words shared by all in the true Christian faith? There are four ecumenical creeds that are required to be called "Christian", for without a common belief, there is no meaning to being called "Christian" -

The Nicene Creed – Adopted in 325 AD at the First Council of Nicaea and expanded in 381 AD at the Council of Constantinople, this creed is a central statement of Christian belief shared by Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant churches.

The church the pillar of truth . Not the very source (sola scriptura)

2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same (Christ in us) spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

Called the mutual faith Christ's in us . The law. . "Let there be" and it was God alone good.)

Romans 1:12-17 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith (Christ's) both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.;I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel (Christ) to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God( Not the church) unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith (Christ's) to faithChrist's) as it is written, The just shall live by faith.(Christ's)

Creeds are private interpretations personal commentaries

2 Peter 1:19-21We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:;Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.;For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Christ. the Holy Spirit of the Father in 1 John 2 warns of those who seduce us by teaching others they need a dying man to teach them, calling them antichrists' another teaching authroity other than all things written in the law and the prophets (sola scriptura)

 

[Dylan569]

How anyone thinks my OP placed man's declarations above the Scriptures, truly escapes me!

Using a Confession or Creed does not mean placing men's declarations above the scriptures, it presents what the authors believe to be the doctrines taught in those scriptures alone! For instance, stated in my chosen Confession of Faith, it reads as follows on the scriptures.

1646 First London Confession of Faith, A Confession of Seven Churches of Christ in London.
(This Confession teaches Particular Redemption of the Elect, and stresses the New Covenant.)

London Baptist Confession of 1646

VII "The rule of this knowledge, faith, and obedience, concerning the worship of God, in which is contained the whole duty of man, is (not men's laws, or unwritten traditions, but) only the word of God contained [viz., written] in the holy Scriptures; in which is plainly recorded whatsoever is needful for us to know, believe, and practice; which are the only rule of holiness and obedience for all saints, at all times, in all places to be observed."

The proof texts quoted in full -

These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-imposed piety, humility, and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value in checking self-indulgence. (Col 2:23 NRSV)

So, for the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God...in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’” (Matt 15:6, 9 NRSV)

“You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. (John 5:39 NRSV)

and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. (2Tim 3:15-17 NRSV)

To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them. (Isa 8:20 ASV)

But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! (Gal 1:8-9 NRSV)

Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you from your own people a prophet like me. You must listen to whatever he tells you. And it will be that everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be utterly rooted out of the people.’ (Acts 3:22-23 NRSV)

This Confession became known as the first Baptist Confession of Faith because not only did it teach "believer's baptism", in addition it defined baptism solely as immersion. The Appendix to the Confession is included in this online presentation.

 

[Dylan569]

The early ecumenical creeds were not merely personal commentaries -

Early Church Period Creeds
As Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean world, more formalized creeds emerged:

The Apostles' Creed (120-250 AD)
Developed by Roman Christians around 180 AD
Not written by the original apostles, but reflects their teaching
Final standardized version was established by Pirminius around 750 AD

The Nicene Creed (325-381 AD)
Originally formulated at the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD)
Produced by bishops gathered from across the Eastern Roman Empire
Expanded and revised at Constantinople (381 AD) to affirm the Trinity
Became the most widely accepted Christian creed

The Chalcedonian Creed (451 AD)
Resulted from the Council of Chalcedon
Defined Christ's nature as having "two natures" in "one person and one hypostasis"
Accepted by nearly all Christian denominations except Oriental Orthodoxy and Assyrian Church of the East

Later Development
The Athanasian Creed emerged around 500 AD, though its exact origin remains uncertain. Despite this uncertainty, it became widely accepted among various Christian denominations

These creeds weren't merely theoretical documents but practical tools for:
Teaching core doctrines
Protecting against false teachings
Providing a basis for church fellowship
Clarifying theological positions during periods of controversy

The development of these creeds represents a gradual process of theological refinement, moving from simple confessions of faith to more detailed statements that addressed specific doctrinal challenges as Christianity grew and spread across different regions and cultures.