The Church Founded by Christ: Leaving It Means Rejecting Christ

Jesus Christ Founded the Catholic Church—This is a Historical Fact

Jesus Christ did not establish multiple churches with conflicting doctrines; he founded one Church, which has stood the test of time. The Catholic Church traces its roots directly to Christ and his apostles, maintaining an unbroken line of leadership and authority. This is not a matter of opinion but a historical fact supported by records, writings of the early Church Fathers, and Scripture itself. Unlike newer denominations that emerged centuries later, the Catholic Church has preserved the teachings, sacraments, and traditions instituted by Christ himself.

“The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18

This powerful declaration by Jesus assures us that his Church will endure despite challenges. Over the centuries, the Church has faced persecutions, internal struggles, and external attacks, yet it remains standing. No other institution in human history has survived with such continuity and strength. To leave the Church based on human failures is to ignore Christ’s promise that his Church will never be overcome. The truth does not change simply because individuals within the Church falter; rather, perseverance is essential in faith, just as it is in every other aspect of life.

Jesus Left Us the Church, Not Just the Bible

Many Christians believe that Scripture alone is sufficient for guiding their faith. However, Jesus did not leave behind a book for individual interpretation—he established a Church to teach and preserve his teachings. The Bible itself did not exist in its compiled form during the time of the apostles; it was the Church that safeguarded, compiled, and preserved the sacred writings for future generations. Without the Church, there would be no Bible, as it was the Catholic Church that discerned which books belonged to the canon of Scripture.

“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18

Here, Jesus makes it clear that he is founding a Church—not a collection of independent believers. The Church is the foundation of truth, ensuring that the faith remains unaltered. If Christ intended for every individual to interpret Scripture on their own, why would he establish an authoritative Church? The divisions seen among Christian denominations today stem from differing interpretations of the Bible, which is precisely why the Church’s guidance is necessary. The Catholic Church, instituted by Christ, remains the pillar of truth, ensuring unity in doctrine and faith.

Not Everyone is Called, But Perseverance is Necessary

Faith is a gift, and coming to Christ is not solely a human decision but a divine calling. Jesus himself emphasized that no one can come to him unless drawn by the Father. While some may struggle with faith, others abandon it entirely due to hardships, disagreements, or misunderstandings. However, faith is not about ease or comfort—it requires dedication, patience, and perseverance. Just as success in any field requires persistence, so too does remaining steadfast in faith.

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” – John 6:44

This means that true faith is a calling from God, not just a personal decision. However, answering this call does not mean the journey will be easy. Jesus himself warned that faith requires endurance, and only those who persevere will be saved. Just as an athlete trains rigorously and a student studies diligently, a believer must nurture and strengthen their faith. When struggles arise, leaving the Church is not the solution—rather, it is an opportunity to grow in faith and understanding. Those who abandon their faith in difficult times risk turning away from the very source of salvation.

Rejecting the Church is Rejecting Christ

The Church is not merely a human institution but a divine one, established by Christ himself. Jesus directly linked the authority of his Church to himself, stating that whoever rejects the Church rejects him. This means that leaving the Catholic Church is not just a departure from a community—it is a rejection of Christ’s authority. Many have been misled into believing that all churches are equal, but Scripture makes it clear that Christ established one Church with divine authority, not multiple conflicting denominations.

“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” – Luke 10:16

By walking away from the Church, a person distances themselves from the authority Christ entrusted to his apostles. Throughout history, churches founded by human ideas have risen and fallen, while the Catholic Church has endured for over two thousand years. Organizations built on weak foundations crumble, and the same is true for faith communities that lack divine authority. Those who follow churches not founded by Christ risk losing their way spiritually. The Catholic Church, however, has withstood the test of time because it is built upon Christ, the true foundation of faith.

The Bible is Not for Everyone to Interpret Freely

A common misconception is that every believer has the authority to interpret Scripture on their own. However, just as legal and medical texts require trained professionals for proper understanding, the Bible requires authoritative interpretation. Left to personal interpretation, Scripture becomes subject to distortion, leading to contradictions and doctrinal confusion. This is why Jesus established a teaching Church to guide believers in truth, ensuring that his teachings are passed down correctly.

“Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of Scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation.” – 2 Peter 1:20

This verse warns against the dangers of private interpretation. Without the Church’s guidance, misinterpretation leads to division, which is why thousands of Christian denominations exist today. The Catholic Church has preserved and interpreted Scripture faithfully from the time of the apostles, providing believers with authentic teaching. Just as a student needs a teacher and a patient needs a doctor, Christians need the Church to rightly understand the word of God. Faith cannot be based on individual preferences but must be rooted in the truth passed down through Christ’s Church.

Making the Wrong Choice is a Risk to Your Soul

Christ did not establish multiple paths to salvation—he founded one Church, which has remained the beacon of truth for over two millennia. Leaving the Catholic Church is not merely about personal belief; it is a decision with eternal consequences. Jesus did not give his followers the freedom to choose a church based on preference—he founded one Church, and it is our responsibility to remain faithful to it.

“Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.” – Matthew 15:13

This warning from Jesus reminds us that only what is established by God will endure. Churches founded by human ideas lack divine authority and cannot lead souls to salvation. History has shown that man-made churches come and go, but the Catholic Church stands firm. To reject the Church is to reject Christ’s plan for salvation, placing one’s soul at great risk. The true path is not about convenience or comfort but about following the Church Christ established, ensuring that we remain rooted in the truth he entrusted to us.

Final Thought: The Truth Does Not Change

✔ Christ founded the Church. ✔ He gave it divine authority. ✔ He promised that it would never fail.

Despite human imperfections, the Catholic Church remains the vessel of truth and salvation. Leaving due to personal grievances does not change the fact that it is the Church established by Christ. Instead of abandoning the faith, believers are called to persevere, trusting in the promise that those who endure to the end will be saved.

“The one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 24:13

Criticisms and Responses

1. Historical and Theological Disputes

Criticism: While the Catholic Church claims to be the one true Church, other ancient Christian traditions, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church, also have apostolic succession. Additionally, many Catholic doctrines developed over time, suggesting they are human inventions rather than divinely instituted teachings.

Response: The Catholic Church acknowledges the apostolic roots of the Eastern Orthodox Church but upholds the primacy of Peter and his successors as established in Matthew 16:18. While doctrine develops, this does not mean it changes or is invented; rather, it unfolds under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). The Church’s continuity through apostolic succession and adherence to Christ’s original teachings set it apart from later schisms and Protestant denominations.

2. Misinterpretation of Scripture

Criticism: Some argue that when Jesus said, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18), he was referring to Peter’s faith, not Peter himself. Others believe 1 Timothy 3:15 does not give the Church supreme authority, and 2 Peter 1:20 warns against controlling Scripture rather than supporting the Catholic hierarchy.

Response: The original Greek text uses “Petros” (Peter) and “petra” (rock), making it clear that Jesus was naming Peter as the foundation. Early Church Fathers supported this interpretation. As for 1 Timothy 3:15, it directly calls the Church the “pillar and foundation of truth,” affirming that divine truth is safeguarded by the Church, not left to individual interpretation. Likewise, 2 Peter 1:20 warns against personal misinterpretation, emphasizing the need for proper teaching, which the Church provides (Acts 8:30-31).

3. The Claim That Leaving the Catholic Church is Rejecting Christ

Criticism: Some argue that rejecting the Catholic Church is not the same as rejecting Christ, as many non-Catholics still follow Him sincerely. Others believe salvation is possible outside of Catholicism.

Response: The Catholic Church teaches that those who knowingly reject the Church reject Christ’s divine authority (Luke 10:16). However, it also recognizes that those who seek Christ sincerely, though outside the visible Church, may attain salvation (Lumen Gentium 16). Nonetheless, deliberately leaving the Church places one’s soul at risk, as it means rejecting the fullness of truth Christ established.

4. The Role of the Bible vs. Church Authority

Criticism: Protestants argue that Scripture alone (sola Scriptura) is sufficient for salvation and that every believer has the right to interpret the Bible without Church intervention.

Response: The Bible itself does not teach sola Scriptura. Instead, it affirms that the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). Jesus never left a book—He left a Church with teaching authority (Luke 10:16). Without this authority, the result has been thousands of conflicting interpretations among Protestant groups. The Catholic Church compiled the Bible, and proper interpretation requires the guidance Christ entrusted to His Church.

5. The Issue of Church Scandals and Corruption

Criticism: Some leave the Catholic Church due to scandals and moral failures among its leaders, believing that an institution plagued with corruption cannot be divinely guided.

Response: The Church acknowledges the sins of its members, but individual failures do not invalidate its divine foundation. Even among Christ’s apostles, Judas betrayed Him, yet this did not nullify Christ’s mission. Every institution, including Protestant denominations, faces moral failures. Leaving the Church due to human sin ignores the reality that all Christian communities struggle with human weakness. The solution is reform from within, not abandonment.

6. Overgeneralization of Protestantism

Criticism: Not all Protestant churches are fragmented or doctrinally inconsistent. Some maintain theological unity and fidelity to Scripture.

Response: While some Protestant groups maintain internal consistency, Protestantism as a whole remains deeply divided, with over 45,000 denominations worldwide. This contradicts Christ’s prayer for unity (John 17:21). The Catholic Church, in contrast, has remained doctrinally united for 2,000 years, preserving the faith handed down from the apostles.

7. Theological Exclusivism and Lack of Ecumenism

Criticism: The Catholic Church appears to reject other Christian communities and does not actively engage in ecumenical dialogue.

Response: The Catholic Church promotes ecumenism and has made efforts to foster unity among Christians. However, unity must be based on truth, not compromise. The Church welcomes dialogue but holds firm to its belief that Christ established one true Church with apostolic succession and sacramental authority.

Final Response: The Catholic Church is Christ’s True Church

Despite objections, the Catholic Church remains the only Christian institution that:
✔ Can trace its origins directly to Christ and the apostles.
✔ Maintains unbroken apostolic succession.
✔ Has preserved doctrine through councils and tradition.
✔ Continues to stand as the visible authority Christ established.

To leave the Catholic Church is not just to leave an institution but to walk away from the fullness of truth Christ entrusted to His followers. All other man-made movements eventually fragment and fade, while Christ’s Church continues to stand.

The purpose of this critique and response section is to address common objections, defend core principles, and clarify misconceptions regarding the topic. By engaging with opposing viewpoints, it strengthens the original argument, reassures believers, and promotes meaningful dialogue. Misinterpretations often arise due to historical, theological, or contextual misunderstandings, and responding to these ensures accuracy and fairness in discussion. Additionally, by reinforcing key claims with reasoned explanations, this section helps individuals deepen their understanding and conviction while encouraging open discourse between differing perspectives. Ultimately, the goal is not just to defend but to foster a more informed and respectful exchange of ideas.