Thank you for the question on the Biblical attributes of the Church, “What are the Biblical attributes of God’s true CHURCH?”
The answer to this question is not a simple one for the Universal Church (the Bride of Christ) and the Local Church includes aspects of a being a living organism and a functional organization. The local church is to reflect the Universal Church but quite often there is an emphasis of one aspect of the Church over the other aspects of the Church. There is no perfect Church on earth. As someone once said, “If you find a perfect church, don’t join it. It wouldn’t be perfect anymore!” Every Christian is flawed and I am include myself in that group.
As one reads the Book of Acts, the attributes of the Church is reflected in Acts 2. One may already be familiar with the passage. The passage says this, “38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages).
Here are my observations of Acs 2 on the attributes of a Biblical Church. The observations are not exhaustive nor is it meant to ignore the other passages of Scripture. I am particularly focused on Acts 2.
A. The true Church has repented believers in it (vs. 38a).
B. The true Church has baptized believers in it (vs. 38b).
C. The true church has the indwelling and presence of the Holy Spirit within it (vs. 38c).
D. The true church has proclamation of the Gospel of salvation (vs. 39–40).
E. The true church accepted all repented believers into her midst (vs. 41).
F. The true church is devoted to the Apostle’s teaching (vs. 42a).
G. The true church extended fellowship to all believers (vs. 42b).
H. The true church celebrated Holy Communion on a regular bases (vs. 42c).
I. The true church devoted themselves to prayer (vs. 42d).
J. The true church shared what God is doing in their midst without boasting (vs. 43).
K. The true church shared their possessions with those believers in need (vs. 44–45).
L. The true church met regularly at a location (vs. 46).
M. The true church shared their meals with sincerity and gratitude with others (vs. 47).
N. The true church worshiped and praised God (vs. 47a).
O. The true church is respected by the non-believing community (vs. 47b).
P. The true church is an ever increasing repented believers in her midst (vs. 48).
As the true church grew in size, organization came into being as Elders and Deacons. roles were defined for the proclamation of the Gospel and the teaching of the Word.
Is there a local church that fully manifests all the above attributes? Not likely for the Apostle Paul was confronted with issues of division and sins, of abuse of the Lord’s Supper and the boasting of superior gifts and positions as “superapostles”. Although the local church is imperfect, Christ the Chief Shepherd will cleanse and purify the Bride of Christ so that she will be without any blemishes and spots (Eph. 5:25–30).
SUMMARY: Acts 2:37–47 is a model of the True Church that every local church is to emulate so that God is glorified as each part works together to make her mature in Christ Jesus.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-Bible-attributes-of-Gods-true-CHURCH