INQUIRER: Nowadays, many churches have surfaced and they claim that they are the only true church. How can we discern the true church?
BRO. ELI F. SORIANO (EFS): The true Church can be discerned through the doctrine; not through the chapel, nor through the number of members. The mark of the true Church is the doctrine. Let us read John 17:17 -
BRO. DANIEL S. RAZON (DSR): " If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
EFS: "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God," So, it can be known through the teaching or doctrine. I will give you an example. For example, God commanded the doctrine about baptism. There is baptism in the Bible, but it is free. Christ said, "freely ye have received, freely give." If you undergo baptism that requires a fee, that is wrong; it is not of God. You can then discern - Is it correct? It is wrong! Christ said we shall know of the doctrine if that is of God, or if it comes only from the words of the minister himself. Why? Let us continue in verse 18 -
DSR: "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."
EFS: If he only speaks of himself, he only seeks for his own glory or honor. "...but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him." If the speaker speaks of words that come from God, that is the true one. So, they can be known through the doctrine. Not by their attire, nor chapels, nor with the number of members. The true religion or true service to God can be known through the doctrine. Does the speaker speak of himself or what he says comes from God? That is the basis, brother.

