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 
The church of Christ is a beautiful name. It glorifies Christ. But it is not the only scriptural name. Nor do all churches of Christ preach sound doctrine The fact that one says that one has too attend a building that says C of C on it in order to be saved is in itself adding opinion as doctrine. Therefore it is adding to the Word. The Word says to exhort one another to love and good works and to sing and make melody in our heart. we are also to exhort one another in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. A doctrine has been made that choirs are excluded. But why havew Many churdh of Christ doctrines are based in wanting to not look like other group even if Scripture has to be twisted.. Will worship and self-righteousness have plagued all groups including the church of Christ and continue to do so. But the blind still try to lead and many fall in the ditch. There are many good congregations and every rose has tares and will until Christ comes again. But we will still be responsible for ourselves and therefore be diligent to show ourselves approved. But it is true that only the church of Christ will see heaven. Rest assured the Lord knows who His children are. Would someone define the origin of denomination for me.
I agree and find your words to be true if by churches of Christ, you refer simply to the sign or even in such churches of Asia or that of the struggling church at Corinth. Denomination is simply a named division. To nominate is to name, and a denominator divides the numerator, one body, one Church. This is sectarianism, which is condemned in Galatians 5:19-21.
I have been told three times in two days by CoC members (elders and deacons, different congregations) that I am going to hell because I am leaving the CoC. Why am I leaving? Because after sitting in a pew for 30 years, hearing over and over that the “religious world” is going straight to hell, the arrogance has completely overwhelmed me. I can’t take it any longer. It breaks my heart to hear so many people that I love blindly assuming that they cannot possibly be wrong, that they are the only ones who can correctly interpret scripture, and that any who disagrees with the coc is deliberately turning from God and does not love Him like the CoC does.
So I don’t know where you are, but my entire life, that’s all I’ve heard from the CoC. I’ve been a member in multiple congregations across 3 states, and it is always the same.
Amanda,
You are mistaken. Please, read the article carefully. I said that no preacher or leader ever said the “church of Christ” denomination, “church-of-Christers”, or church with sign saying “church of Christ” were the only ones saved and going to Heaven. We are not denomination and do not strive to be one. There has never been a sober mature Christian in the churches of Christ who has said that their “denomination” were the only one being saved. If you heard only the Church of Christ being saved, then you heard about the Church that Christ built and bought with His blood in the Bible are the only ones saved.
Any leader or teacher of any congregation or fellowship who have altered the Gospel are accursed (Gal. 1:8-9). These who have perverted the death, burial, and resurrection are not saved (Gal. 5:19-21. 2 John 9-11). What worse thing can you do but pervert what Christ has done? They do this by changing sins that one must die to and by changing baptism. How can anyone justify that? Listen I speak of the teachers and leaders. There were those saved among the erring churches in the New Testament like the Church at Corinth and 5 of the 7 churches of Asia (Rev. 2-3). Yet, Christ told them to repent. I’ve found such who obeyed the Gospel and attended erring churches led by false teachers. Yet, they have repented and came out of them.
Only those in Jesus Christ’s church are going to Heaven. The saved are added to the Church at baptism (Acts 2:41, 47, 1 Cor. 12:13). I think you know that. You should know that when we speak of churches of Christ or the Church of Christ, then we are talking of Christ’s Church and not a denomination. You probably also know that Gal. 5:20-21 says that those who practice religious sectarianism and divisions will not inherit the kingdom of Heaven. You probably know that Jesus said that those who love Him will have His commands and obey them (John 14:21, 23, 1 John 5:3, 2 John 6). Jesus also said that we are able to perfectly, completely, obey all of His commands (Matt. 28:20, 1 Cor. 2:9, Rev. 3:2). This does not mean that we cannot stumble (Jam. 3:2) or not diligently study with one another (2 Tim. 2:15, Heb. 10:24-25), but this does mean that we will not practice sin (1 John 1:7-2:6).
I hope you reconsider what you’ve been hearing and keep it in the context of scripture. Farewell (2 Cor. 13:11).
Wish I could agree with your statement in regard to the use of church of Christ. As I’ve stated before I understand Amanda’s statement. I wish it was just a rogue congregation, but it is still fairly widespread in many areas. Many still use Rom.16:16 as an identifier and test of fellowship. I understand the arrogance and downright meanness at times as in many it produces not the fruit of the Spirit, but is more in line with James and the wisdom from below. As in the Pharisees it often hides corruption the likes found in Colossians 2. As you have pointed out they fit the description of Gal. 3 and many are in danger if not there in regards to Romans 1. Too many are trying to be saved by accepting the church and doctrine, rather than Christ. What Amanda is going through is not uncommon. Even among varying congregations. And she is right in stating it is based on interpretation. Again mainly the wisdom of man mentioned in Colossians. Even in the context of Scripture she may be right. As I’ve also stated before I’m not much in favor of synods, etc., but the doctrine of autonomy has proven to be dangerous and
itself in the light of Acts when used as a test of fellowship fails to stand. Elders may rule a local congregation, but In the original church there were those such as Timothy and
Titus whom Paul sent to keep Tabs.Doctrine is often based on what school the preacher comes from which causes the churches of Christ too often be one of the most confusing of groups as one moves from congregation to congregation. Autonomy also often makes it hard to discipline “rogue” congregations as too often there is no set standard and Romans 14 is either thrown out or used too widely. James 1:4-5 is in order, but one has to believe that the Spirit still enlightens as we study and pray. Amanda did not say what group she was going to attend, but her concern is still legit. The term Non-denominational is troubling in that as used by most in our society it is fallacious. It has become a buzz word in that according to the Census and incorporation it is a denomination. It becomes again a misnomer in that unless one is willing to that only those who attend a building with the CofC as it’s indentifier to the exclusion of all others
without checking all groups and having a true systemic basis of doctrine then it is a denomination. Few congregations can truly claim that they follow the pattern of the 1st century church. Hence again Amanda’s dilemma as many are blinded to such a fact. Paul preached Christ and Him crucified. No additives. Any additives added create a denomination.
Let me amend the last statement. Any additive of man-made tradition or origin which places a burden not “really ” there”.(1 Cor, 6, Rev 21).
i think u u serve god n jesus it dont matter what church u r in
In many ways, I wish I could agree. Those churches denying the deity of Christ, adding to completion of Christ’s words, and altering baptism in Jesus’ name are not serving Jesus, and this makes up most of the churches. Thank you for the comment.
Fortunately it is passing, but I was raised in groups which from the preacher and elders on down espoused such an idea. Although many false doctrines of legalism were taught it was taught that only those who met their specifications were “saved”. Much in line with Colossians 2, they show much arrogance, very little of the fruit of the true Spirit. I pray they will be enlightened, but a false Gospel based on man-made works does not bring peace. It is not just “denominations” maliciously pointing fingers. But misuse of autonomy within the churches of Christ has caused a dangerous lack of communication and discipline which hurts the church as a whole. We deride the SBC , synods, etc. but they make sure the doctrine taught is the same throughout the area or they deal with it. Our colleges and preacher schools too often turn out differing doctrines, but again autonomy gets in the way. Romans 14 seems to have been taken out of many Bible used by those who taught in the ’40’s-’90’s and it still exists . At one time in the past it was as if it were placed on my heart out of the frying pan and into the fire. Zealously condemning others on questionable if not outright legalistic issues many were taken like proselytes of the Jews and made two fold children of hell as doctrine replaced the Blood. There are still many congregations, especially in the Midwest, with those who hold this belief and have kept others from the Way by their Pharisaical, obnoxious behavior, but as the pharisees were, they are blinded by their self-righteousness. I would agree they are weak and immature, yet many I know have been baptized for 50+ years. Too often their immaturity unchallenged. Romans 14 gives latitude, but unless I misread it and Galatians 3, the immature who push the issue and cause division are to be rebuked. No matter the age.
That sounds like a rogue congregation in which you were raised. I am convinced that Christ’s Church is made up of the congregation and strive do observe all that He has commanded (Matt. 28:20).
Please, don’t use the term “legalist” or “legalism”. It is a prejudice word and smacks of contempt. I don’t know but I may well be a “legalist” to you or a “liberal”.
Yes churches should work together especially for unity. We do certainly see this in Acts 15. I found the “progressives” (as they refer to themselves) have resisted this throughout the south.
Romans 14 is speaking from the Greek dialogismos “doubtful” diakrisis “conjectures”. This is certainly not the doctrines of Christ. Yet, if you are convinced that they conjectured a command, then don’t offend their conscience and try to set them straight. That’s Romans 14. Yes, the false teachers should be rebuked.
Well, Scott, I must be completely bonkers, because I have NEVER heard anyone EXCEPT members of the C of Christ (yeah, the one with that appellation attached to the structure) make that statement. Yet, after investigating online, I find many like yourself claiming otherwise.
I had a discussion with a 50-year-old man this morning, who is intelligent, articulate, and, sadly, a Church of Christ member who believes that VERY thing (that only members of said church [though not even ALL of them] will make it to Heaven.
When I was 13, my best friend’s mom was a member. My friend, his dad, brothers, and sister attended a Baptist church. They told me of the mother’s beliefs. Even then, I was blown away by the ludicrousness of the very idea.
Nonetheless, those are only TWO of about ten MEMBERS I have heard profess that thru the years. Now, there is no way in HEAVEN that these people were remotely acquainted, so what gives. Mass hypnosis (though only of roughly
Again, those are aren’t preachers. I would say that those teaching contrary to the words of Christ are not going to Heaven, but that’s not from my words. My conviction is that those leaders and teachers who teach different from Christ will be judged strictly and their salvation is on the line for their teachings.
Those among the churches of Christ who say these words are the weak and immature. Yes, only those in Christ’s Church can be saved, but a sign on the church building’s lawn does not do that. One thing to consider is that the churches of Christ do not have an hierarchy while denominations with hierarchies including councils with presidents would be extremely proud to make such a claim.
I’ve heard Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals, “Jehovah Witnesses”, and other conservative evangelicals say that only they were going to Heaven. I bet I can dig up those sources. Some say that only evangelicals can be saved or only charismatics can be saved. I see little difference there since their fundamental denominational beliefs agree and they are often in agreement with one another.
Be sure to read my words carefully.
I agree there is only ONE chuch and that’s the church of christ. The only church he mentions romans in 16:16. He said in matthew 16:18 upon this rock I will build my chuch and the gates of hell wont prevail against it. He never mentions any other church. We live by the new testament not the old according to colossians 2:14. People need to wake up he died for our sins and Jesus is one person so why would he have all theses different churches. 1 corinthians 1:10-13 says christ isnt divided so we shouldnt be. The catholic church needs to stop saying they are the true church wrong. I like what you said im a member of the church of christ. When Jesus come back we will all see that he is coming back for his church the church of christ.
Amen.
It says unknown tongue, singing with music is not un-known tongue. It says upon this rock I will build my church. It never says that the church had a name at all. Jesus preached outside to all that would listen. He did not only say to those that enter this or that building would be saved he said if you believe, that is a strong word. To me it seems like members of the Church of Christ are saying that they are better than Christian’s ( believers). when Jesus is speaking of church of Christ he is speaking of the people that make up the body, not the people that enter the building. The man that died on the cross beside Jesus was a murder, and all he did was believe that Jesus was the son of God that came down in the flesh and persecuted. And Jesus forgave him instantly and he was saved. Was he a member of the Church of Christ, no he was a man that believed as God told him that he needed to believe in order to see the gates of heaven.
You are very confused. You don’t understand the principle of meaningful worship in 1 Corinthians 14, which teaches that only intelligible words can used to worship God and edify the church. You overlook that the Church that Christ built is the Church that He calls “My Church”. “It seems” that you judge by appearance when you have not read scriptures and witness in this article. Lastly, the man who died on the cross died before Jesus established the Church, instituted baptism in His name, and before Jesus was buried and resurrected. That man was under the old law, and as far as you know he was straying follower of Christ who had been baptized as John the Baptist taught. Please, do not put your soul in danger like you are. Reconsider the Faith in Christ. Don’t listen to your blind guides but turn to Christ and hear His words.
Old post, but please let go of Romans 16:16. There is only one church , but don’t bet your soul on the name above the door. The Roman catholic church is not the true catholic church, this is true. Christ will come back for the church and it is His. But don’t kid yourself that the churches of Christ aren’t divided and that there aren’t other groups under other name who still worship in spirit and in truth. I grew up in a family that will still condemn others to hell without even knowing what they teach, because they aren’t Church of Christ. That is dishonest. And sadly most of my family show very little of the true fruit and a lot of Pharisaism. Jude exhorts us to earnest contend for the faith, but I fear too many contend for dogma which kills rather than than gives life.
If one does as you say, condemns another without knowing that person’s beliefs, and relies on the name “Church of Christ” on the sign, then yes that would be dishonest and wrong. I’m saying that in all my experience. It has never happened. I haven’t read an article, heard lesson or lecture by any such teacher among our congregations teaching this or promoting it.
First Corinthians 14:10-15 teach that non-verbal teaching, prayers, and music are against the heart of Christian worship. That’s why I’m an advocate for singing only.
Take this discussion to another post.
When we look at Amos 6:5 (above) in context, we can see that God was angry at the Jews for their idolatry and hypocrisy. God was chastising them for their hypocrisy. God knew their hearts and that their worship was meaningless to them. That’s the point of this passage, not that musical instruments are forbidden for praise and worship. And there are plenty of people who sing a cappella at church that aren’t meaning the words they say but are only going through motions.
I already did address it.
Those who sing idly are not meaning the words they are saying (Amos 6:5). God knows the heart of every person, people who are not really singing to God but are just saying words that have no meaning are not really loving God. Why should God listen when they are not truly meaning it? David did not sing idly to the Lord, when he sang to the Lord, he sang with all his heart, soul, and mind to the Lord.
It does not say woe to them who chant to instruments and invent to themselves instruments as God commanded them to… it says woe to them who chant to instruments and invent to themselves intstruments just like David did!