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 
As I’ve said I was raised in and have attended churches of Christ all of my life. I have diagnoses of bi-polar and major psychosis. I have and do still have thought impressed on my mind and occasionally hear “voices”. I filter them through the Word, but that does not mean they do not occur. We have the written Word which is inspired knowledge. But I also believe James 1:4-5 when it says we can ask for wisdom and receive. If I want to properly apply a certain passage to a particular circumstance and I asked, the Spirit may enlighten my spirit for a particular situation.. Such occurrences bother many as it has not been taught. I’ve lived the life of Colossians 2(Judging others on externals, living the externals while indulging the flesh) and realize that I’ve let myself open to attack. The realm mentioned in Ephesians 6 is a realm most whom raised and taught me would rather deny.. They live many of the mechanics along with tradition and see themselves as Spiritual, yet the fruit they exhibit is more fleshly and demonic(James 4).Yet demons are spirit in nature as are God, Christ, the Holy Spirit and angels and man’s inner being. But many doctrines by many groups are put forth to counteract what is considered to be wrong in another group. Direct operation of the Spirit is denied by many as abuse does occur and satan and demons do still work on the mind and lying signs and wonders do occur. Such is the origin of much of the disunity in the body. Human philosophy and thought does occur, but I don’t believe Paul was using metaphor when he wrote of doctrines of demons. I’m not yet where I would like to be but having read outside of what I was taught was the church I find a lot of neat stuff. My family would consider Corrie ten Boom as lost, but I will leave her in God’s hands and see a woman who was used in a powerful way and exhibited more of what I read in Ephesians 5 than most who raised me.
Much of the problem comes from the word works. I believe there are times when God can have specific labors for individual people. There are things which are written which we are to do out of love and gratitude for Christ sacrifice(James1:26-27). The problem comes when we add to the finished work of Calvary and add the taste nots, touch nots, etc. For instance, no where does it say we cannot have a choir or solos. Yet for years it has been taught that those who do such will not inherit the kingdom. I know Col 3:16 and Eph 5. I was taught that a drink of alcohol was condemnation. The rationale later was that I never became a drunk. Most of my family didn’t, but as I’ve said before that same passage of Colossians. describes my present family to a tee. We had the same Bible, but somewhere along the line a failure to allow the Spirit to truly guide was not allowed.
Yet justification and sanctification are still of the Spirit. The Word is plain that we are saved to good works, not by works. Liberty is not to become license, but satan loves to cover the blood with rules. And the love of the Spirit in the human spirit as we learn to walk in step will not allow liberty to violate the law of Love.
I absolutely agree with you on receiving wisdom. I encourage you to be careful about crediting that to direct working of the Spirit without considering the Father and the Son working naturally or supernaturally. I agree that there are certainly doctrines of demons and I am cautious to think that demons work directly upon people especially not upon Christians.
Drinking is another subject for which I partially agree with you. Drinking is not a sin. Drunkenness is, but I’ve found that the word translated drunkenness means to be filled with intoxicants (i.e. Eph. 5:18, John 2:9).
We are saved to good works, and though we do not save ourselves, our salvation is condition upon true faith that produces true works. There, we purify ourselves by obedience (1 Pet. 1:22-23) and work out our salvation (Phil. 2:12).
Those who love each other will love God and keep His commands, and those who love God will love each other and do good to each other (1 John 5:1-3, cf. 1 John 4).
Do I believe satan can work on the minds of Christians, yes. Do I believe Christians can give into demonic influence yes. Can sifting occur to the extent at which sifting happened to Peter, I don’t see out of the realm of possibility. We also have the example of Alexander and Hymenaus. They were brethren, but we’re told that they were turned over to satan for discipline. I don’t read it as outright condemnation but to bring about repentance. Church discipline is so erratic at times and we have bought into psychology and medicine so much that we often lose a chance for God to manifest His glory. When is the last time we took James 5 seriously? Not that God is obligated, and as I wrote earlier we can rely too much on “experiences”. Sadly though, we do ,still too often , look at others doctrine or experiences and take a stance against something we don’t understand. Often to be a “peculiar” people. This has been my experience in many of the groups I’ve dealt with. Sadly as we have both pointed out both can lead to a feeling of self-righteousness which makes a lot of excuses for a lot of immorality that later is made manifest. I would also agree that many who claim a work of the Spirit do often use it to excuse a blatant life of sin which is antithetical to the Word. We have a paraclete, but as you know 1 John 2 and Romans 6 speak of overcoming and putting away sin not living it with the excuse of grace
I would certainly like to see you prove that what I said does not come from Christ or the apostles. To say I’m wrong is easy. Where is your proof?
It appears that you have said things that are contrary to the scriptures. You said that the biblical text is the only way that the Spirit speaks, yet the bible never states this. Where do you see the word “only” in the bible regarding this? Romans 8 clearly proves you wrong. Have you not read Romans?
I didn’t say “only”. I said that God speaks to us through His Son. His Son sent his Spirit to teach through His scriptures (Eph. 2:19, 3:3-5). By the scriptures, we can be complete unto every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). You claim a mystical spirit separate from Christ only by assertion.
Romans teaches the mind in the Spirit is the indwelling of Christ and the Spirit (Rom. 8:1-14).
“You claim a mystical spirit separate from Christ only by assertion.”
I do claim a mystical Spirit. and that’s exactly what it is. It is super natural in nature. The Spirit world is super natural, are you denying this?
Romans 8 clearly states that we are to live by the Spirit, not by the words of the Spirit, as you claim. You want to add your own prejudice to it. It’s not there. How can you claim to be a student of the Bible and then skew the words which then skews the meaning.
Why are you against anything mystical?
All I’m asking is for you to provide your support, some kind of witness. Until then, I have no more to say.
I have never claimed that the Spirit has any new revelation. That thought really misses the point. The presence of the Spirit is there for understanding, not new revelation. Anyone can read the scriptures and intellectually process the words and still miss the meaning. The Spirit give “understanding” among other things. But even without reading the text of the Bible one can experience the presence of God. 1 John 3:24, “The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”
The Spirit works in our daily lives away from scriptures. Moral decisions can be a product of Spiritual indwelling. The Spirit is not just there for the purpose of dealing out written religious commands. It’s so much more than that, and yet you seem to see that Spirit as a means by which we receive written instruction on how do conduct ourselves. It really diminishes the purpose of Christ’s presence within us.
I don’t deny that the spirit works in our lives apart from the scriptures. “Moral decisions can be a product of Spiritual indwelling.” I am convinced that the Spirit dwelling within us through the mind receiving the truth.
“But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:20-24).
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:5-6).
Which scripture says that the Spirit gives understanding from personal indwelling?
It’s as if I’m talking to an unbeliever or a doubter. We either understand from the flesh or from the Spirit. The Spirit indwells so where else would Spiritual understanding derive? If your understanding comes from the intellect (flesh) then you are at the mercy of a very subjective source. Do you really not believe that understanding comes from the indwelling Spirit? Where does your understanding come from?
Why do you refer to the Spirit as “it”? I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt that this is a mistake rather than “oneness” doctrine.
The New Testament refers to the Spirit as “it(self).
KJV says,
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Not sure why your concerned about this.
There are some who reject the personality of the Spirit referring to Him exclusively as an it.
I apologize. You’re right. You are not mistaken the Greek word to refer to the Spirit auto is neuter while ekeinos also used is masculine. It is good to refer to the Spirit as He and as It.
You have convinced me by your use of scripture. Thank you.
I do typically use the word,”He,” when I refer to the Spirit. It can be confusing though.
Are you promoting works from the flesh as that which pleases God? You must remember that works from the Spirit are not from self and therefore not credited to self. Works from the Spirit (not just the textual words from the Spirit) are what God wants, as he said through Paul in Romans. Anyone can read the words of the Spirit (from the bible) and mechanically follow them to a tee without being spiritual. You don’t seem to grasp the difference between acceptable works and unacceptable works. You seem to only care that works are carried out no matter the cause. I don’t think you fully understand how the Spirit works.
That’s prejudice.
Faith is a work of God (John 6:28-29). Is baptism a work of God? The baptism in Jesus’ name – “where was it from? From heaven or from men?” (cf. Matt. 21:25)?
“Anyone can read the words of the Spirit (from the bible) and mechanically follow them to a tee without being spiritual.” Are you? You claim something that does appear in the words of the Spirit.
“You seem to only care that works are carried out no matter the cause.” More prejudice! Are these the words of a mature loving Christian or one who is prejudice, carnal, and puffed up?
“I don’t think you fully understand how the Spirit works.” Then, why don’t you show me like I’ve been asking? If you know so much more than us “immature” Christians, then certainly you can enlighten us according to the words of Christ? Certainly, if you are right, then you can bear the proof of Christ and Apostles and provide 2 or 3 witnessing sources? Or are you speculating and asserting your form of mysticism.
I’m concerned that you are the one who has been misled by the fact that that you don’t seem to understand that the new covenant is one of the Spirit not not the letter. This being the case it is God who works in you (through his Spirit) by faith. It is God’s work, not yours. If you do the work using your human effort then you will want compensation for it and then your salvation become earned and not a product of faith and grace. I think you have a serious misunderstand of how faith and grace are empowered. When faith is present it is faith working in you.
I strongly urge you to consider the difference between living from the Spirit and the letter. The new covenant is not just another letter of law in which we are expected to adhere to commands to receive salvation. Under the new covenant God said he would write his laws on our minds and hearts and I think you missed this essential point. It happens all the time.
The NT Christian has one main purpose, and that is to die. And from that death we are renewed and regenerated to live from God’s Spirit within us, and not from the written text. Until this happens we have no choice except to live by his words as best we can. So your theology is relevant until one is transformed of mind. But you have missed the most important element of NT Christianity: that of mind renewal.
Nothing that you are claiming comes from Christ or His Apostles and prophets.
The letter is the Old Law. Christ’s Law is of the Spirit, an epistle of the heart (2 Cor. 3).
Faith without works is dead (Jas. 2).
“Nothing that you are claiming comes from Christ or His Apostles and prophets.”
Really? Which part is not from Jesus Nor the Apostles? Are you saying that we are not to die to self?
Matthew 10:39
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
John 12:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Scott, it’s easy to claim that what I say does not come from Christ or the Apostles. Please give evidence.
I just quoted scripture from Romans in which Paul says that we are to live from Spirit…and you deny it? Maybe you have yet to read the NT fully.
Please elaborate and give better evidence than you have given as to why I’m wrong.
Thank you.
You want me to give evidence that you have no evidence. You have primary sources. Your idea of the Holy Spirit appears to be conjecture and speculation. Certainly, the Spirit spoke in scripture about which you claim or did you make this all up?
Without pre-judging me, you would find Gal. 2:20 and Rom. 6:3-7 to be most common of references.
Romans 8 says that our minds are to be to the Spirit rather than flesh. You claim direct connection to the Spirit without reference in Scripture. I agree with scripture that the Spirit dwells by our minds being in the Spirit. Receive the implanted word, which is able to save your soul (Jas. 1:21). Let the Word of God dwell in you richly with all wisdom (Col. 3:16). Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6).
The Spirit does work apart from the Scriptures. Roman 8 and other passages make this perfectly clear. There are no direct revelations that contradict the scriptures but one can be influenced and directed by the indwelling of the Spirit. If not then my salvation is only as possible as my ability to read the scriptures. You have set up a system of salvation that make human intelligence a major factor in our salvation, and the NT makes it perfectly clear that salvation is not from self, it is a gift of God. I would be careful if I were you in your downplaying of God’s Spirit as a direct influence in the whole process of salvation. You seem to be extolling the virtues of your fleshly ability to process language and carry out works more than God’s ability to impart grace on his children.
The authority is Christ and His words. His words are spirit and life (John 6:63). His Spirit revealed all truth to the Apostles (John 14:26, 16:13). The truth is revealed in what is written by the Apostles and prophets (Eph. 3:3-5). This is how the Spirit dwells in us by Christ’s words dwelling in us (Col. 3:16, Jas. 1:21). Every good work is found in the scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17, cf. 1 Tim. 5:18). What hope can we have outside of Christ! How many people have claimed to have Christ’s Spirit and yet do not follow His Words delivered through His Apostles and prophets?! Downplaying the Spirit by no means, but rather appealing for us leading through His words.
Jesus used language. Did He not rely on our “fleshly ability” to understand?! Did He not communicate effectively?!
You miss that Christ’s words are to be written on our hearts (Heb. 8, 10).
Romans 8:5-7
5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,
Nothing here about living from words. It is about living from the Spirit. I’m afraid you are promoting a system of living from the text without the direct influence of the Spirit. You said that the Spirit work “only” through the text. Please give evidence that this is so. You inserted the word, “only,” where it does not exist. This is adding to the scriptures. You spoke where the bible didn’t speak.
“Only” what?
Remember that the mind is to be in the Spirit, and not in contempt.
Scott, you said, “Salvation is dependent upon obedience and faith with works. Though we are saved at belief, which is a work (John 6:28-29).
This is absolutely antithetical to the teachings of the new Testament. Salvation is granted by grace through faith. Nowhere does it say through obedience.
Ephesians 2:8
8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Obedience is from self (in the context to which you refer) and it is clear that nothing from self can save. How did you miss this basic point?
Belief is not a work in the way that you seem to teach. A work is an action and faith is not an action, it is a state of consciousness.
Certainly, you will reconsider any previous beliefs in comparison to what Christ’s Spirit tells you through scripture. Do not harden your heart, dull your ears, or harden your heart. Jesus said that faith is a work of God that we do (John 6:28-29). Don’t let anyone mislead or even yourself. The work is not of ourselves in that we cannot earn salvation or obligate God to save us by our works or the work of the Law, and yet we must be obedient to the Faith (Rom. 1:5, 16:26). Our salvation is conditional upon faith that in completed by works (Jas. 2:22, cf. “if” in the scriptures). We are blessed that we do not have to make up for past sins, since we can’t even make up for one that brings condemnation. James 2:22, 24 says, “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?…You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” Romans 2:7-8 says, “eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness — indignation and wrath”. Romans 6:16-17 says, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to justification? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.” First Peter 1:22-23 says, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,” Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but one who is doing the will of My Father in heaven.” The extent of God’s grace for forgiveness of sin is by whether we walk in the light or in darkness (1 John 1:5-2:6).
See, you have been misled by a false doctrine. Works do matter, but only those of faith rather than those of yourself or of the Law. Real faith produces works. Belief in Gospel causes us to obey the death, burial, and resurrection by being baptized into Christ’s death by dying to our sins (1 Cor. 15:1-4, Rom. 6:3-7).
Is the Spirit of Christ speaking to you by these scriptures? Certainly, if we believe in Jesus, then we will believe His every word. If we believe His every word, we will obey His every word. “One who believes and is baptized will be saved ” (Mark 16:16). Is this not he one baptism (Eph. 4:5) in Jesus name (Matt. 28:19) in water (Acts 10:47-48) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38) and salvation (Acts 2:41, 47)?
I think you basically twist the scripture to meet you preconceived ideas of what Christianity is supposed to look like. The NT is a Spiritual Book not a literary book in which one fulfills their goal through human effort. If anyone has been led astray by false doctrine it is you. You have turned the NT into a book of “how-to’s” that do nothing but address the outer form of the Christian, and leave the content alone. The new covenant is of the Spirit (inner) and not of the letter (outer). Our outer form should be a reflection of our inner consciousness and our job is to work on our inner condition. The babe in Christ cannot comprehend this and must follow directions on how to act, but the mature Christian must get beyond this elementary level of Christianity, and quite frankly you do not address this deeper aspect of Christianity. You continue to wade in the shallow waters and seem to think you have hit the deep. When do you get beyond this? Or do you?
Do you think or did the Spirit tell you?
The New Testament encourages us to live according to His Spirit in each of us much more than it encourages us to live by the scriptures. I wonder why this is seldom encouraged.
No. As mentioned before, “The scriptures teach both. When the scriptures speak, the Spirit speaks (Acts 1:16, 28:25-27, Heb. 3:7-11, 10:15-16). Unless we are an Apostles of Christ or one who had their hands laid on us making us a prophets, we do not receive direct revelation, but receive revelation like everyone else through the Scriptures (Acts 8:14-17, Eph. 3:3-5).
Do not forget that Christ is in us and God in in us (Rom. 8:10, 1 John 3:24, 4:16), and we are in the Spirit and we are to abide in Christ (John 15:4-10). Remember the command to be filled with Spirit in Ephesians 5:18 has a parallel in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31), and ” If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7). Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Whatever spiritual life that we claim to have, a true spiritual life is in the words of Christ, which He gave to His Apostles (John 15:20, 17:8, Act 1:2) by His Spirit (John 14:26, 15:26, 16:12-13).
The Spirit is truly in us when “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:5). This is how the Spirit transforms us (2 Cor. 3:18) and we renew our minds (Rom. 12:2).”
Please be honest. The churches of Christ are often divided amongst themselves more than most other denominations. The term non-denominational is a fallacious misnomer. Total autonomy is an exception and too often dangerous. Christ told the parable of the wheat and tares, so each individual congregation will have problems. We don’t have headquarters, synods or conferences. But I’ve been in enough congregations over the years to know that doctrine taught is often different, dependent upon the school the minister came from. It is not up to us to judge the individual eternal destiny as has often been done, but false doctrine is false doctrine and works oriented salvation(man-made(Name above the door, format of worship, 5 acts of worship,etc. and tradition) of any kind is false doctrine. It does not create the fruit of the Spirit, but a spirit more in line with James 3 :14-16. Not all Baptist churches practice Calvinism or reject free-will. Baptism doesn’t always bury the old man. I love the name church of Christ, but Romans 16 has been abused for so long that it has become almost a determent to His cause than glorification. There are other scriptural names, and many of those who use them are in line with scripture if looked at through non-biased eyes. Christ always taught truth and He said not to try to put new wine into old wine skins. If false doctrine is being taught we better judge it.(Is a person’s soul really in jeopardy for singing “Just a little talk with Jesus”?) There is one church composed of many churches or congregations. Baptist churches were first recognized in the 1700’s. What we know as the churches of Christ have their roots in the restoration movement but were not formalized until 1906 and the Campbells would likely vomit at what has happened. Truth has been taught from the cross to the present, often under names many self-righteous would spurn. The greatest danger of today, yesterday and tomorrow is failure to realize we will all stand individually before the throne. There is no guarantee that I will walk into any group and always hear the truth from just one man(Why just one minister?, 1 Corinthians mentions decency and order in reference to many being allowed to speak. And too often those with more understanding sit and fail to correct false teaching when it happens). Yet many have made even that a point of contention. So it’s best to study for ourselves. James 1: 4-5 are excellent tools. He still gives to those who seek. Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good (1 Thess. 5:21). The preacher may not be wrong, but while he will receive a greater judgment if he is(James 3:1) we all will still answer.
No, the Church is one. Always has been. There have been false teachers for along time, and even if they claim to be among us and put the “Church of Christ” on the sign, this does make them in Jesus’ Church. Your thinking is that rational.
Salvation is dependent upon obedience and faith with works. Though we are saved at belief, which is a work (John 6:28-29), salvation is given by God at belief in Jesus as the Lord and belief in His death, burial, and resurrection, which means that believers will die to their sins, be buried, and resurrection by faith. This is when one is raised with Christ into the newness of life and one has salvation at this point.
We are of Christ not because of Romans 16:16 but because Christ built the Church and we are “of Christ” (1 Cor. 3:23). We are Christ’s. No one rejects the other scriptural names. I find your thought here very prejudice. You clearly do not the churches of Christ by the very fact that you plea for different names for churches when we have no problems with other scriptural names. If you knew the churches of Christ then you would know this.
1 cor. 14 teaches that two or three speak and not many. Now, you are putting Fiola heresies.
You should study for yourself and know for yourself, but don’t speak for us in the churches of Christ, who strive to be only Christians.
The Campbells would love the Church that Christ built.
Yes, the Campbells would love the church that Christ built. We should, but many things taught today by some and attributed to the Campbells would make them cringe. My brother teaches a lot of false dogma and once proclaimed he was proud to be called a Campbellite. I want to judge him no more than I want him to judge me. But when I look at Gal. 3:1 I have my concerns. The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection, the atonement. We need to leave it at that. Doctrine is a separate issue. Yet Christ and the apostles left us their doctrine. My reference to One church made of many is in that Christ body is universal, but has many congregations as we call them, but I refer to ekklesia. I have no problem with Romans 16:16, yet sadly it has become for many a badge within and without for abuse of doctrine.I appreciated the comment you made in regards to some Mennonites, Berean churches,Old order Baptist. That is honesty I strive for. The church of the first born, The church of God in Christ, etc. My father condemns any who do not attend a building with Church of Christ as its building identity. No amount of teaching will convince him otherwise, yet unlike the apostle Paul, he is self-righteous enough not even to check doctrine of the others he condemns. He was baptized 50+ years in a Kansas congregation and was fed the doctrine for years. It was a Pharisaical indoctrination and the fruits are still evident. I truly pray the congregations in your area have been spared, but that doesn’t negate the damage done by the corporate Diotrophean complex which still exists in many areas of the country. My grandfather preached for the church of Christ for years. It’s the pits, and he has passed but I find myself having to refute much of what he taught. He taught tradition as Gospel and again the fruits are still evident. Again we have usually 1 man in the pulpit. I think 1 Cor. is still wisdom. Verse 24 would imply that at times all in the congregation might speak (taking v34 into account). Yet the number appears not to be as important as the order and restraint from chaos. But it is apparently not the “high” church format usually found today. I know I will stand accountable for times when I have heard blatant falsehood come from pulpits and not said anything. But again tradition rules and I apologize for my cowardice. My concern is that our failure to have open discussion may have someone outside of Christ hear falsehood with no rebuttal and walk out the door to eternity. It might happen anyway, but the “style” of the 5 “acts” of worship makes it more possible. It can still be done in decency and order. Years ago I cried out in my heart of hearts the same line you wrote, Kind of like Rubel Shelly wrote “I just want to be a Christian”. That is still my plea. Yet without all of the baggage, apparently this area of the country binds. Sadly if you look at Col. 2 you will see much of my life and that of my family. I thank God for grace that I understand more now, but the pain is still real, as is the damage, much of which I caused in my blindness. I still attend a congregation of the church of Christ, the one in which I was raised. I was out of the area for almost 20 years.I’ve seen not numerical but Gospel growth in the time I was away. But the damage again is still evident. Blant hypocrisy and false teaching disillusioned many. They left and many never came back. Many younger men are striving to get back to the Gospel. We recently had a visiting preacher who actually apologized for the Pharisaism he taught at one time and stated much past doctrine(a doctrine of fear) taught had driven many away. I’ve attended churches where the only difference was the use of the instrument. I saw people unafraid to lift holy hands in prayer and praise, to say amen when moved by the Spirit. I know well there are wheat and tares. I have never claimed to speak of or for all congregations, nor members, nor will I. Please don’t take offense as I don’t know how much you travel. But many who write on this blog share the same concerns and stories I have. As I’ve stated before I have attended a Church of Christ college and university. I was baptized in the 70’s. You state things better than I, but I believe we have the same things in mind, most of the time. You ask me not to speak for those in the churches of Christ, who strive only to be Christians. I strive for nothing else. Yet there are those in other groups who have the same thoughts on baptism, and the Lord’s supper, but may use a musical instrument. They strive to be Christians only. I’m concerned about sounding contentious, yet adding to or taking away from is adding to or taking away from. As I stated I love the church of Christ. I love the name church of Christ above the door. Yet I see a lot of intellectual and Spiritual dishonesty. Jude asked us to contend earnestly for the faith. My father has contended earnestly, yet his zeal has been more church than Christ. He would condemn someone for the use of using an instrument, yet for years the women by whom I was raised ran the Bible class in de facto and saw no problem, my family members not in the church see it as hypocritical. They refuse to go. My mother’s philosophy is that as she is baptized her sins are covered. My aunt was scripturally baptized but is condemned by my mom as she doesn’t attend services(the biggest reason is my family). Yet it is sad that we discuss more on these blogs than we do in our group meetings. Paul says we are not to stop striving until we come to a unity in Christ. I haven’t been to your congregation that I know of. I honestly don’t know what opinion you hold on certain issues. I mean no offense, but food for thought. In your reply you state not to speak for those of us in the churches of Christ. Does that mean that anyone who would question or point out that the churches of Christ(again, I love the name but it can be twisted) as most of the world and the U.S. census knows of post 1906 has issues that need to be dealt with is not one of us? There are a lot of great people in the churches of Christ. There are a lot of great people in groups who practice the bible yet worship under a different name. I’m honest enough to say I’m still not sure of how you define the church of Christ. Please inform me what Fiola heresies are.
I accept all primitive New Testament churches by any scriptural names as the Church of Christ. I reject accepting churches stamped “church of Christ”, who err rather than consider diligence of others to follow Christ. I do not consider these churches of Christ. Yet as for denominations, those who follow false teachers will be consider to be with them and those who stand against them even in the same congregation are not with them. The Pharisee-ism of the hierarchical denominations is clearer than any other. As for the Church of Christ, I don’t speak of a church arising in 1906, but of one present before 1850 when the Gospel Advocate began and one before the Campbells. I speak of the churches of Christ who came here in the Mayflower (not the Puritans either). I refer to Church of Christ, which He built and bought. I speak of the Church joined by Tyndale, Oldcastle, and Wycliffe, and back unto the “Lollards”. I refer back to the ancient order into the centuries of the “non-conformist” New Testament churches even since the Didache, since Hegesippus, Justin, Melito, Ignatius, Irenaeus, Polycarp, from Clement, Timothy, Paul, and all of Christ’s Apostles.
“Doctrine is a separate issue”? Yet, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16). What life do we live in the newness of life if not by the doctrine of Christ?
“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?” (Gal. 3:1).
The “5 acts” of the Assembly come scriptures and have been echoed by Alexander Campbell. Consider his words in “The Order of Worship“. I find this to be true that there are 5 regular acts of the Assembly. This does not mean that worship consists of only 5 acts, but of all good deeds (Heb. 13:16) yet not “all of life”. See Everett Ferguson’s book, “The Church of Christ – An Ecclesiology for Today”. Ferguson presents these things clearer and this is what the churches of Christ believe today. I assume you agree that our life is sacrifice, but our blinks, sneezes, etc are not. Yet, our worship are acts of reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28).
As for one man speaking, see Acts 20:6ff for one and see 1 Cor. 14 for 2 or 3 at a time.
“I’ve attended churches where the only difference was the use of the instrument. I saw people unafraid to lift holy hands in prayer and praise, to say amen when moved by the Spirit.” I encourage prayers of our men to be led with our hands lifted. I find other handing-raising to mimic denominations and rock concerts, but I have no judgments for them just concern and discouragement to copy the passing world. The instrument is contrary to the very meaning and purpose of Christian worship. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). Are not the words of Christ perfect and complete concerning music? Jesus said, “In the midst of the Church, I will sing praise to You.” I find “the fruit of the lips” to be perfect in instruction as “the fruit of the grapevine” is perfect for the Lord’s Supper. Should I not consider Christ’s words perfect regarding His music or His supper? Should others judge me and exclude me for such convictions? Condemnation for false worship will depend on the judgment of God. All I can say is that the false teacher of such is in danger of God’s judgment for teaching and practicing such a presumption before recognizing the inerrant words of Christ and His Spirit through His Apostles (Rom. 2:2-3). Those “babes” “of Christ” who are “carnal” and practice such worship need to be taught otherwise (1 Cor. 3, 11, 14). Yet, God is the judgment of those who do not follow His Son. Instruments are certainly cowbells in a concert (cf. Alexander Campbell’s quote).
What we face is dialogizomai (Rom. 14:1)? This word literally means “through-logic” or thorough reasoning. Inferences upon inferences are opinions. These will divide. These are the most cunning false teachings. Let us put these aside and be united as Ephesians 4 teaches us. Let us affirm the Truth by God’s standard of evidence (John 5). Let us follow the proven Christ, His words, His life, His Spirit, His Apostles, and His prophets through His scriptures.
I am sorry to tell you that I was raised in the Church of Christ and was told many times that the only group going to heaven were actually Church of Christ members. I remember as a child crying to my Sunday School teacher because my best friend was Baptist and I didn’t want her to go to Hell. She told me she would. I asked why and she said because they are wrong. I am a Christian and an active member in my current Baptist church. I am sad to say that this is being taught in some Churches.
You evidently do not know much about the churches of Christ. If you read the article, then you will see that this is talking about the Church that Christ built, and only those who are members of His Church are going to Heaven. Those immersed into Christ are added by God to His Church (Acts 2:41, 47). If you were listening when you were in the churches of Christ, then this is what you would have heard, but sects like to slander in this way for whatever sordid reasons. Be careful and consider that you may have joined one. As believers, we should be one church and not divide into sects (John 17:20, 1 Cor. 1:10-17). We should speak the same thing, have the same judgment, and have the same mind. Jesus did not command us to be Christians and also to take the name of some person or practice. There is no instruction from Jesus in how to become a member of a denomination or sect. Being in a sect is being more that what Jesus commanded. Any group who sets themselves apart by adding to what Jesus made perfect is a sect. They add prayers to be saved rather than accepting Christ in faithful repentance by burying one’s old sinful self in being baptized into Jesus’ death (Rom. 6:3-7). “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16). We can be just disciples of Christ, Christians. Be careful for your soul and do not bring charges without two and three sources and slander others. You judge the churches of Christ that Jesus built? Are you familiar with the origin of the Baptist denomination? Are you familiar with the first use of “Baptist” in name for “Baptist churches of Christ”, who broke away from the churches of Christ for a belief rejecting free-will?
How many testimonies would you like? At the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses…. If a person was raised in a congregation of the churches of Christ they would know how they were treated and what was taught in that congregation and likely those in the vicinity. To question is not necessarily to judge. I have a friend who preached in the church of Christ for 40+ years and with tears in his eyes not long before he passed away apologized that much of his teaching had been in error. Your first line smack a bit of arrogance.
How can you bear witness contrary to Christ? Why would you say that the Church of Christ, the Church that Christ built, is full of false doctrine? Why would you consider false teachers to members of the Church that Christ bought with His blood? Is the Church not the save? If they follow false doctrine and say that they are of the Church, then they are deceived, deluded, or lying. What would any member of the Church of Christ have to do with such?