Brother Shaliach, I’ve been told that the Catholic Church is the one true church because it traces back to Peter. Is that really what Jesus meant when He said, “On this rock I will build My church”?
Answer:
Thank you for writing.
This is a question many sincere believers ask, especially when we consider how early Roman Catholicism appeared in history. But to understand what the true Church is, we must go back to the Scriptures and not just tradition or historical continuity.
The word “Church” in Greek is “ekklesia” (ἐκκλησία), meaning “called out ones”—those summoned out of darkness into Christ’s light. It is not a religious institution or denomination but a spiritual Body of people united by faith in Jesus Christ, their head.
1 Corinthians 12:27 — “Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function].” (AMP)
The true Church is not built on Peter, popes, or councils—it is built on Christ Himself. The cornerstone of the Church is not a man, but the revelation of the Son of God.
Matthew 16:18 — “And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ].” (AMP)
The “rock” here is the “revelation” (apokalypsis in Greek) Peter received—not Peter himself. Jesus was not establishing a religious hierarchy. He was revealing the foundation of spiritual identity—Christ revealed in us.
Galatians 1:15–16 — “But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…” (AMP)
The early Church was organic, Spirit-led, and Christ-centred. Over time, layers of human systems and traditions were added. Roman Catholicism developed structures that often replaced intimacy with institution. While there may be genuine believers within Catholicism, the system itself tends to centralise authority in men rather than in Christ.
Colossians 1:18 — “He is also the head [the life-source and leader] of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will occupy the first place [He will stand supreme and be preeminent] in everything.” (AMP)
A system where Christ is not preeminent is not expressing His Body accurately. The true Church is known by His headship, not merely by historical continuity. It’s possible to have forms, rituals, and long-standing traditions and still be far from the reality of Christ.
Mark 7:13 — “So you nullify the authority of the word of God [acting as if it did not apply] because of your tradition which you have handed down [through the elders]. And you do many things such as that.” (AMP)
The Roman Catholic Church is not the original Church; it is one of many later developments that moved away from spiritual simplicity. What matters is not which group came first—but which group reveals Christ.
John 17:3 — “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent.” (AMP)
The true Church is wherever Christ is known, revealed, and followed as Lord—not just in name, but in life. We are not called to defend systems. We are called to reveal Christ.
Hope this helps.
In Christ,
Shaliach
