The church are those bought with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Those in the church are the only ones saved (Acts 2:41, 47; Eph 5:25–27). Only members of the church of Christ Jesus are enrolled in heaven (Heb 12:23). By the way, all children are safe in Christ (Matt 19:14). Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
Because the churches of Christ proclaim this biblical teaching, many are mistaken to assert that the churches of Christ mean only those with name “church of Christ” on the building’s sign will receive eternal life. The churches of Christ are made of imperfect people and they are not perfect in themselves. Only Christ perfects Christians having repented of their faults and strengthened through their weaknesses.
Churches of Christ
Did Jesus build His church as He promised (Matt 16:18)? Did He purchase the church with His blood (Acts 20:28)? Jesus certainly did. For the church of Christ is a part of God’s eternal purpose (Eph 3:9–10). Where is that church? Look to the Scriptures. Christ established and bought the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Christ cleansed the church of their sins by His blood (Eph 1:7; 1 John 1:7; Matt 26:28; Rom 3:25; 5:9; Col 1:20; Heb 9:12, 14; 13:12, 20; 1 Pet 1:19; Rev 1:5).
As a minister trained by loving evangelists within the church of Christ, this Christian has never heard that only the “Church of Christ” denomination, only “church-of-Christers,” or only those with the sign “Church of Christ” on the building are the only ones going into eternal life in paradise. The churches of Christ do not make that judgment. God decides who are His people — the church of Christ. God makes the judgment of who is going rise and live in the new paradise (2 Pet 3:13). “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Tim 2:19).
Denominations Divide
In the Scriptures, no one was baptized into the Baptist church, Catholic church, evangelical church, or any man-made denomination or sect. No one was baptized solely into a local congregation, but they were baptized into one body — the church of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 12:13).
Believers were only baptized into the church of Christ in the Bible. The Scriptures do not assure the salvation of those baptized into denominations. Paul taught against divisions according to names — even good names like Paul, Cephas, and Apollos other than Christ (1 Cor 1:10–13; Gal 5:19–21). Paul revealed that divisions are destructive, and those who cause and maintain such division will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (Gal 5:19–21). Jesus prayed that Christians be one (John 17:20–21). Did His prayer fail? Certainly not! Christ is the Head of the one church (Eph 1:22–23; Col 1:18). The plea of the churches of Christ is not to denominate and join as one church of Christ.
False Unity
Interdenominational churches may boast of working together despite their differences, but their differences are apparently trivial opinions and man-made traditions or they would not forfeit them. Certainly, ecumenical churches can give up their own traditions, opinions, and inventions. No Christian should divide over opinions (Rom 14). However, Christ’s church cannot compromise His words, His teaching, His commands.
If someone must do something to join a local church that a believer does not have to do to join the church of Jesus Christ, then those church leaders are adding to God’s written Word. Joining a denomination is not joining that church that Christ built. The Scriptures provide complete teaching for every good work (2 Tim 3:16–17). Adding and annulling parts of God’s Word is the foundation and source of divisive sectarianism (Gal 1:6–9). If joining a denomination is the same as joining the church, then all Christians would be a part of the same denomination. However, joining a denomination is not joining the church that Christ built.
Must one be a member of a denomination to receive eternal life? No. Must one be a member of the church of Jesus Christ to enter into eternal life? Yes. Must believers be a part of a denomination or the church of Jesus Christ? The Bible revealed that the Lord adds believers to the church when they are baptized in Jesus’s name (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Cor 12:13). Now, are those of the church of Christ that Christ built the only ones receiving eternal life in paradise? Yes! Jesus saves faithful Christians who have joined the church that Christ built.
The Head of the Church
How can all churches unite? The church of Christ is solely built upon the Rock who is Christ by the confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Matt 16:16–19). Churches unite in Christ, that Jesus rose from the dead, and He gives eternal life through His resurrection (Rom 8:11; 1 Cor 6:12–13).
Because Jesus is the chief cornerstone and the head of the church, the church finds Jesus Christ as having authority over His church (Matt 28:18). Jesus is sinless (John 6:63; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22). Therefore, Jesus’s words are infallible, and He gave those words to His Apostles and prophets in the Scriptures (John 15:20, 16:12-13, 17:8). The apostles and prophets wrote the Scriptures for Christians to perceive the apostolic insight of God’s revelation (Eph 3:3–5). Christians can unite in the meaning of Scripture and obey Jesus’s commands without dividing over opinions. Christ’s church cannot compromise Jesus Christ and God’s commands for man’s traditions (Matt 15:7–9; Mark 7:6–9).
In Ephesians 4:5, Paul taught that there is only one body. That one body is the church (Eph 1:22–23). Churches of Christ proclaim this church urging all believers to leave the named divisions and man-made church governments behind and let all believers unite in Christ by His Word. In the Bible, the apostles organized churches with elders leading each congregation (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). The churches of Christ assemble to learn, sing, pray, break the bread, and give to collection every first day of the week (1 Cor 11:17–34; 14; 16:1–2).
Paul and Barnabas divided over application of the way to spread the Gospel, but they remained united in the Gospel, the revealed message of Jesus Christ (Acts 15:36–41). Christians may differ and do regarding application of the Scriptures, but Christians rarely disagree concerning the meaning of biblical texts.
Entering the Church
The Scriptures teach that Jesus saved the baptized and added them to the church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 1 Cor 12:13, cf. 1 Cor 6:11). When the Pharisees rejected baptism, they rejected the purpose of God (Luke 7:30). As Ephesians 5:26 depicts, Jesus washed those in the church with water, and the church unites in only one baptism as one body (Eph 4:5).
Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:18–20). Peter revealed, “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Peter also taught, “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43). Therefore, Peter refused to withhold water and commanded them “to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10:47–48).
In His resurrection, Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit (Matt 28:18–20). The early church affirmed that Jesus revealed, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:15–16). Christ saves believers through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:1–4). Therefore, true believers confess that Jesus is the resurrected Lord (Rom 10:9–10). Believers do not reject Jesus’s resurrection; be saved by being raised with Christ from baptism (Rom 6:4–7; Eph 2:4–6; Col 2:12–13).
The Church that is of Christ
The churches of Christ refuse to bear a denominational name or form a man-made organization. Christians bear the name of Christ by being called “Christian.” By the name “Christian,” the church is “of Christ.” Christ tears down the dividing walls (Eph 2:14–17). The church carries the name of God and Christ in descriptions such as “church of Christ,” “churches of Christ,” “church of Jesus Christ,” “Christians,” “disciples of Christ,” and so on with biblical names.
The churches of Christ are congregations of Christians who have set to be the church of Christ as found in the Bible. These congregations are not perfect, and the churches in the first century were not perfect. Like the first century, churches of Christ are made of imperfect people who are only perfected by the death of Jesus Christ (Col 1:21–23).
Some churches will continue to struggle in their immaturity, but those who are truly believers will unite in love for God, Christ, and one another (Eph 4:11–16; Col 3:14). Christ makes Christians holy, blameless, without spot, and blemish (Eph 5:27; Col 1:21–23). Therefore, the churches of Christ diligently strive to unite and not to divide by man-made doctrines and divisive names. Churches in the first century struggled with divisions and false teachings too (1 Cor 1).
Making a Stand
The churches of Christ believe the Bible that Christ only saves the church of Jesus Christ (Eph 5:25–27). Congregations of Christ stand against the leaders and teachers who divide and denominate. The church pleads with all believers to be Christians only and to follow Christ through His words. Because of our confident stance upon the Scriptures as the sole authority for doctrines and practices, churches of Christ are diligent to “observe all things” that Jesus instructed (Matt 28:20). The churches of Christ strive not to go beyond the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). Because of this, many judge the churches of Christ and scoff at the church’s love for God, love for one another, and obedience to His commands (John 14:21, 23; 1 John 5:2–3; 2 John 6).
Invitation
The churches of Christ welcome all believers to unite. Members of all denominations are welcome and urged to become Christians only — apart from denominationalism. If you disagree, we lovingly and kindly plead from the Scriptures to find and join the church of Christ. Those who are honest will all seek Christ. All guests are welcome meet with churches of Christ. The congregations of Christ are focused on the mission of making disciples by baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit and teaching them to observe all things that Jesus commanded (Matt 28:19–20).
Christ has built the church and bought the church with His blood (Matt 16:18; Acts 20:28). The Lord adds repentant baptized believers to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41, 47; Eph 5:25–27). Only members of the church of Christ are enrolled in heaven (Heb 12:23).
Find out more about the churches of Christ via this article, “Ten Characteristics among Churches of Christ,” or online video, “Searching for the Truth.”
The Breath of God 
hey scott,
thanks for your reply, but i am still confused. again from false teaching.
if the church of christ (literal named church) is not the only church going to heaven, then who else is?
is it that when you say “the church of Jesus Christ” you mean those following Christ, Christians, right? So then the idea is that Christians following Christ’s gospel correctly are to inherit the kingdom of heaven. But with that said, denominations are not following Christ’s gospel correctly, so they wont. That being named “the church of Christ” is helpful because it helps identify those Christians not disobeying God by dividing into denominations.
So then again, who are the other churches that will bring people to heaven if not only churches of christ? Is it that there are other churches named other things (from scripture) and that as long as they are non denominational, and following the gospel correctly, that they too will inherit the kingdom of heaven?
I ask because i was very pulled in by the title of this blog. Again, my preacher has told me that the CofC are the only ones getting into heaven. So when you say that is not true, of course i want to find out who else is as i will be looking for a new church.
That of course it may be easier to look for another CofC, but who else can i be looking for? would a church named “Christ’s church” down the street be ok if they seem to be non denominational? Or “Christian’s church”? Or should i look for something else like a “disciples of Christ” church?
Hey Sherry,
These are good questions. All because something is not Scriptural does not make it wrong in adding to God’s Word. There are numerous words not used in the Bible that are used today, but we use the none Scriptural words (hopefully not about God’s things). Cars, computers, internet bibles, and powerpoint are not Scriptural, but these are not unScriptural either. It is what is unScriptural that is the problem. How do we distinguish? It is actually easy.
God’s specific instructions excludes all additions and subtractions (1 Cor. 4:6, Gal. 3:15, 2 John 9, Rev. 22:18-19). For instance, if someone is instructed to be immersed in Jesus’ name in water, then subtracting water, adding to the water, or changing the water for the baptism is wrong. Why is this wrong? Because God specified water. I think that we’d agree that changing or adding to baptism to flower pedals, buttermilk, or grape juice is wrong. This is the principle of respect for the specifics of God’s commands especially if God specified making melody by singing. To read more about this see my article “Do God’s Written Specifics Exclude?”, https://godsbreath.wordpress.com/2007/02/19/excluding_specifics.
Now let us apply these principles to your questions. Microphones and speakers are tools Jesus speaking from the side of a mountain or by the water, which would amplify His voice. Singing by a river or on a mountain does not change the specifics of God’s instruction of making melody by singing, but mechanical music does (Col. 3:16, Eph. 5:19). Microphones and speakers are not Scriptural, but these are not unScriptural though mechanical instruments used to produce melody is unScriptural. Also, Paul corrected the Corinthians for praying and singing in foreign languages, so God instructed through Paul to pray and sing with the spirit and with the understanding. Music without words is music without meaning and it is condemned. I have another article on this (https://godsbreath.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/decency-and-order/).
“We all have air-conditioning and heating in our buildings for our comfort, this is not mentioned in the bible.” Exactly, this is provided for the weak of health in the congregation or even the healthy in extreme weather and should not be for comfort. Though it is not Scriptural, it is not unScriptural.
*”Wouldn’t the use of these things be considered ‘adding to’ the word of God?” These are not Scriptural, but these are not unScriptural. These would be adding if God commanded anything about our buildings and how we communicated in amplifying our voices. Actually these are used to keep the Word of God. Since we are to do good to all especially to those in the Church (Gal. 6:10). Therefore, we provide warmth and cooling for the elder and infant while also amplifying the Word of God to be heard even by song.
“What about adorning ourselves with gold and pearls?” We shouldn’t do this being man or woman. Wedding rings are modest as 1 Tim. 2:9 instructs.
“How are we to know how to pick and choose or do we just adhere by the opinions of those before us?” We should respect those before us and not cause them to stumble by our liberty (Rom. 14). We do this in love.
Thank you and God bless you and your family.
I have a question that has been bothering me for a while now. How does using a microphone or speakers differ from using mechanical instruments in worship? It does not mention microphones or the lack of them in the bible. We all have air-conditioning and heating in our buildings for our comfort, this is not mentioned in the bible. Wouldn’t the use of these things be considered “adding to” the word of God? What about adorning ourselves with gold and pearls? That is mentioned more specifically than using instruments. Most all of us wear at least a wedding ring. How are we to know how to pick and choose or do we just adhere by the opinions of those before us?
my mother and i have been members of the church of christ for years. Our church is located in the bay area of northern california. I, like brenda has written above, have not gone to church for far too long. Mostly for feeling afraid and un-welcomed for not having the same opinion and understanding as my minister does. My church does preach (every sunday) that only members of the church of christ (yes, the name on the building) shall find salvation. which not only scares me but breaks my heart. I talked to God and pray to Jesus each day and often study His word online and with help from fellow christians. Even trying to study online moments before finding this site i found a site saying the same thing as my church http://www.the-churchofchrist.com/church/is_the_church_of_christ_the_only_ones_going_to_be_saved.htm
although i may not be reading that site correctly, i know my preacher has said so directly.
my preacher and mother tell me “upon this rock i will build my church” and end that with, “what was his name? christ! the church of.. christ. So then going to another church named something else is not his church, therefore sinful and not the way to heaven. ”
this is not what i have understood it to mean. Even though i am fairly young, I understand it to mean that churches preaching God & Jesus’ word, churches that come together in ways like they did in the bible, and not adding to or taking away from his book are a part of Christ’s church.
i love that the church of christ aims to keep it to the NT rather than theories and hierarchies that so many other churches have been blinded by. i also believe that separation and denominations was not what God wanted. I find that the CofC (name on building) is an example of God’s will and what Christ’ church is to look like, but i do believe that there are other churches that do this as well. that all of the churches that do, are churches of christ or even churches IN christ.
i was really surprised to find this site and hear your words. i really hope that what i have written here for you, my understanding of the CofC, is what you were trying to say to me with those words. that i am not crazy, nor going against God for not believing that salvation and God’s hope of church is as simple and elite as the name on the building.
“Lost”,
Yours would be the first instance that I know of anyone claiming that the name on the sign must be “Church of Christ” in addition to truly being the Church of Jesus Christ.
This preacher is wrong. There are other Scriptural names. The only churches of Jesus Christ that I know have the sign saying “Church of Christ” that do obey God, but there may be some congregations that obey without this name on the sign as have been found in Europe. This preacher is simply ignorant and I hope will be corrected.
Let me know if I can be of any further help. God bless you.
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit” (1 Peter 1:22), and “the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32).
To make it more clear before anyone tries to twist my words, I believe it is by the grace of God through Jesus Christ we are saved. When we are baptized it is a symbol of the work He has already done in us.
No Randy I’m not saying there was two gospels, Peter was telling them it had always been by the grace of God they were saved.
Moving on. Later.
TRUTH, I understand where you are going with this, and WIL may even write something from this view point. Corey has addressed this a few times already with you.
Are you saying that there was a gospel plan for the Jews and another plan for the Gentiles?
Sure. we can move on.
LATER
Randy , it is obvious we don’t agree on this. This argument is becoming nothing more than a contentious argument. I think it’s best we both end this arguing and both continue in our studies. Amen?
Randy what does Acts 10:44-48, Acts 11:15-18, and Acts 15:7-11 say.
Acts 10:44-48
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.”
Acts 11:1-18
And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, “John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” 18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
Acts 15:7-11
“And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”
In Acts 10 God gave Cornelius and those with him the Holy Spirit before they were baptized. In Acts 11the other apostles and brethren confirmed the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house had been forgiven when Peter was telling them about the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit. In Acts 15 Peter speaking to the council confirms that God accepted the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit which was before they were baptized. Obviously God who knows every mans heart knew that they had heard what they needed to and He gave them His Spirit. And Peter told them they should believe it is through that same grace they too are saved. God could have given the Gentiles the Holy Spirit when they were baptized. They were given the Holy Spirit before they were baptized. The argument that the Holy Spirit is given only to give miraculous powers is a ridiculous argument, not everyone having the Holy Spirit will have miraculous gifts 1 Corinthians 12:29-31 “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” I don’t believe God left Peter in the dark that the Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation. Peter knew the Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation as shown in Acts 8, Peter and John knew the baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential to salvation.
Ephesians 1:13-14
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”