What is the church of Christ?
It Is Not a Denomination
The church of Christ is not a denomination founded by man nor a part of any religious organization founded by man. It originated in Heaven in the mind of God and was set up on earth in the city of Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord (Ephesians 3:8-11; Acts 2). Instead of working with denominations, members of the church of Christ plead all believers in Jesus Christ heed His prayer for unity and become one in His blood-bought body, the church (John 17:20-21; Ephesians 4:4-6; Acts 20:28).
Christ Is Its Foundation
The foundation of the church of Christ is Jesus Christ himself (1 Corinthians 3:11). A building is only as strong as its foundation. The same is true of a church. If a church is built upon a man or a human creed, it will fall. Only Jesus Christ has a right to build a church for He alone is "the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matthew 16:13-19).
The Bible Is Its Only Creed
The belief or creed of the church of Christ is based upon the great truth that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Just before Jesus returned to Heaven, He commanded His apostles to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:19-20). Apostles and evangelist of the first century, under the direction of the Holy Ghost, wrote the teachings of Jesus. This we have in the New Testament. We have no other law, guide, or standard of authority. This is truly a creed that needs no revision. It is perfectly suited to the changing conditions of man in all countries, cultures, and climates of the world in all the centuries until Jesus comes again! (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
Its Members Are Christians and Christians Only
The designations used by the church of Christ are only those which are found in the New Testament for the church and its members. In Acts 11:26 we read that the "disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Members of the church honor Christ by wearing this divinely given name. In Romans 16:16 we read: "The churches of Christ salute you." Christ said, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). The name "church of Christ" simply means that the church belongs to Christ for He is its purchaser and builder. Salvation is found only in the name of Christ(Acts 4:11,12).Its Worship Is "In Spirit and In Truth"
The worship of the church of Christ is plainly given in the New Testament. Jesus said: "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). The day Christians worship is Sunday, the first day of the week, the "Lord's Day" (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10). The acts of worship which are specified by God are: singing,preaching, praying, giving, and the Lord's Supper (Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
It Does Not Use Instrumental Music or Choirs in Its Worship
The music of the church of Christ is singing. This is the only kind of music which is authorized by God in His word for the worship of His church (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19). Singing is commanded of all Christians, not just a favored few. Choirs, quartets, solos, and choral groups are not mentioned in the New Testament. Therefore there is no authority for such! Instruments of music such as pianos, organs, drums, guitars, etc. are not mentioned in the New Testament either. To use such is to go beyond what God has written. It is sinful! (2 John 9-11; Revelation 22:18, 19).
Its Members Give As Prospered
The finances of the church of Christ are free-will offerings of the members as God has prospered them. They are given upon the first day of the week when the Christians meet to worship (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). They are to be used for the work of the church in preaching the gospel of Christ and helping the needy (Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 2:2; Galatians 6:10). Other means of raising money for the work of the church such as garage sales, auctions, suppers, festivals, taxes, and tithes are not commanded in the New Testament. Therefore, they are done without the authority of Christ (2 John 9-11).
Christ Is Its Only Head
The organization of the church of Christ follows the simple pattern given in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the only Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18). The headquarters of the church of Christ is in Heaven where the Head, Jesus Christ, is (Acts 1:9-11; 2:30-33). Christians in each community meet together to worship and serve God (Acts 20:6, 7;1 Corinthians 1:1, 2). Each one of these congregations is a "church of Christ" and as a whole are "churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16). Each local church of Christ is self-governing under Jesus Christ, the Head. They are led by men known variously as "elders" (Acts 14:23), "bishops" (Philippians 1:1), or "pastors" (Ephesians 4:11). These different designations all refer to the same office (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7; 1 Peter 5:1-4). These leaders must have all the qualifications given by God before they can serve in the eldership (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Deacons are servants of the church (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13) who also must be qualified before they can serve. Evangelists are preachers of the gospel (2 Timothy 4:1-5). They may serve local churches under their elders or carry the gospel into new areas (1 Timothy 1:3; Acts 8:5-40; 21:8-9).
It Is Made Up of Obedient Believers
The membership of the church of Christ is made up of all those who hear the gospel of Christ, believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, repent of all their past sins, confess that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and are baptized (buried) in water for the remission of sins (Romans 10:17; John 8:24; Acts 17:30, 31; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4). Members who remain faithful unto death will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10; Galatians 6:7-9).
It Is the Only Church In the Bible
The Bible speaks of but one church, the church of Christ (>Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). Christ has promised to save His church at the Last Day (Ephesians 5:23). No salvation is promised to those out of Christ but instead they "shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Why not become a member of the church of Christ today so that you may have eternal life?
-Written by Rod Rutherford for Truth for the World-
The church of Christ is not a denomination founded by man nor a part of any religious organization founded by man. It originated in Heaven in the mind of God and was set up on earth in the city of Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord (Ephesians 3:8-11; Acts 2). Instead of working with denominations, members of the church of Christ plead all believers in Jesus Christ heed His prayer for unity and become one in His blood-bought body, the church (John 17:20-21; Ephesians 4:4-6; Acts 20:28).
Christ Is Its Foundation
The foundation of the church of Christ is Jesus Christ himself (1 Corinthians 3:11). A building is only as strong as its foundation. The same is true of a church. If a church is built upon a man or a human creed, it will fall. Only Jesus Christ has a right to build a church for He alone is "the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matthew 16:13-19).
The Bible Is Its Only Creed
The belief or creed of the church of Christ is based upon the great truth that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Just before Jesus returned to Heaven, He commanded His apostles to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:19-20). Apostles and evangelist of the first century, under the direction of the Holy Ghost, wrote the teachings of Jesus. This we have in the New Testament. We have no other law, guide, or standard of authority. This is truly a creed that needs no revision. It is perfectly suited to the changing conditions of man in all countries, cultures, and climates of the world in all the centuries until Jesus comes again! (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
Its Members Are Christians and Christians Only
The designations used by the church of Christ are only those which are found in the New Testament for the church and its members. In Acts 11:26 we read that the "disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Members of the church honor Christ by wearing this divinely given name. In Romans 16:16 we read: "The churches of Christ salute you." Christ said, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). The name "church of Christ" simply means that the church belongs to Christ for He is its purchaser and builder. Salvation is found only in the name of Christ(Acts 4:11,12).Its Worship Is "In Spirit and In Truth"
The worship of the church of Christ is plainly given in the New Testament. Jesus said: "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). The day Christians worship is Sunday, the first day of the week, the "Lord's Day" (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10). The acts of worship which are specified by God are: singing,preaching, praying, giving, and the Lord's Supper (Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
It Does Not Use Instrumental Music or Choirs in Its Worship
The music of the church of Christ is singing. This is the only kind of music which is authorized by God in His word for the worship of His church (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19). Singing is commanded of all Christians, not just a favored few. Choirs, quartets, solos, and choral groups are not mentioned in the New Testament. Therefore there is no authority for such! Instruments of music such as pianos, organs, drums, guitars, etc. are not mentioned in the New Testament either. To use such is to go beyond what God has written. It is sinful! (2 John 9-11; Revelation 22:18, 19).
Its Members Give As Prospered
The finances of the church of Christ are free-will offerings of the members as God has prospered them. They are given upon the first day of the week when the Christians meet to worship (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). They are to be used for the work of the church in preaching the gospel of Christ and helping the needy (Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 2:2; Galatians 6:10). Other means of raising money for the work of the church such as garage sales, auctions, suppers, festivals, taxes, and tithes are not commanded in the New Testament. Therefore, they are done without the authority of Christ (2 John 9-11).
Christ Is Its Only Head
The organization of the church of Christ follows the simple pattern given in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the only Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18). The headquarters of the church of Christ is in Heaven where the Head, Jesus Christ, is (Acts 1:9-11; 2:30-33). Christians in each community meet together to worship and serve God (Acts 20:6, 7;1 Corinthians 1:1, 2). Each one of these congregations is a "church of Christ" and as a whole are "churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16). Each local church of Christ is self-governing under Jesus Christ, the Head. They are led by men known variously as "elders" (Acts 14:23), "bishops" (Philippians 1:1), or "pastors" (Ephesians 4:11). These different designations all refer to the same office (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7; 1 Peter 5:1-4). These leaders must have all the qualifications given by God before they can serve in the eldership (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Deacons are servants of the church (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13) who also must be qualified before they can serve. Evangelists are preachers of the gospel (2 Timothy 4:1-5). They may serve local churches under their elders or carry the gospel into new areas (1 Timothy 1:3; Acts 8:5-40; 21:8-9).
It Is Made Up of Obedient Believers
The membership of the church of Christ is made up of all those who hear the gospel of Christ, believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, repent of all their past sins, confess that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and are baptized (buried) in water for the remission of sins (Romans 10:17; John 8:24; Acts 17:30, 31; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4). Members who remain faithful unto death will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10; Galatians 6:7-9).
It Is the Only Church In the Bible
The Bible speaks of but one church, the church of Christ (>Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). Christ has promised to save His church at the Last Day (Ephesians 5:23). No salvation is promised to those out of Christ but instead they "shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Why not become a member of the church of Christ today so that you may have eternal life?
-Written by Rod Rutherford for Truth for the World-
What Must I Do to be Saved?
The Bible teaches that sin is a transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4). All people who know the difference between right and wrong have sinned (Romans 3:23). Our sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). The punishment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). This is "the second death" which is "the lake of fire" (Revelation 21:8).
God loves us. He does not want us to be punished for our sins. Therefore, He has provided a way for us to be forgiven (John 3:16). God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins (1 John 4:10). Jesus suffered the punishment which we should have received for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6). He did not die for His own sins, for He had none (2 Corinthians 5:21). He suffered for our sins on the cross so that we can be forgiven (Romans 5:6-8; 1 Peter 2:24).
In order for us to be forgiven of our sins, and therefore receive eternal life, we must accept salvation according to the plan which Christ has made possible. There are five steps which we must take to enter into the saved relationship with Christ.
First, we must hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). One is not a Christian because his parents are. Just as sin is not inherited, neither is faith (Ezekiel 18:20). Each person must believe in Jesus Christ for himself. Christianity is a religion of teaching (Matthew 28:19,20. Unless one has heard the Gospel and learned that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and arose from the dead, he cannot be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The apostle Paul wrote: "How shall they call Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher" (Romans 10:14)? One must first hear and understand the Gospel before he can believe it.
Second, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Jesus said: "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). The jailor at Philippi asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:30,31). Jesus also said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). One comes to believe in Jesus Christ when he hears the Word of God (Romans 10:17). This is the reason it is so important that the Gospel be preached to the whole world (Mark 16:15).
Third, one must repent of his sins in order to be saved (Acts 17:30,31). Jesus commanded that "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47). Repentance is a result of being sorry for one's sins (2 Corinthians 7:10). When the Jews on Pentecost Day learned from Peter that they had crucified the Son of God, they "were pricked in their heart" (Acts 2:37). They wanted to be forgiven of their sins, so they asked, "What shall we do?" They were told to "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:37,38). When one repents, he turns away from his sin (1 Thessalonians 1:9). He shows he has repented by doing good works (Matthew 3:8).
Fourth, one must confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). This great truth is the very foundation upon which the church of Christ is built (Matthew 16:18;Acts 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Jesus said that we must be willing to confess Him before men if we want Him to confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32,33). The apostle Paul wrote: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:8-10). When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch responded, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Philip told him he could be baptized if he believed. The eunuch then confessed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:35-38). We must make this important, yet simple confession also in order to be saved.
Fifth, one must be baptized in order to be saved. Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;" (Mark 16:16). Please note that baptism follows belief. One who does not believe that Gospel cannot be truly baptized. Therefore, babies cannot be baptized for they are too young to (1) have sin, (2) hear the Gospel, (3) repent of sins, and (4) confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Baptism also follows repentance. On Pentecost Day, Peter told those who asked what to do to be saved to "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized..." (Acts 2:38). One cannot be truly baptized who has not truly repented.
Baptism is a burial in water (Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12). Therefore, sprinkling or pouring are not proper baptism. Baptism is in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). One is not saved before he is baptized! Baptism is "for the remission (forgiveness) of sins" (Acts 2:38). Just as Jesus shed His blood for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28), so we are baptized in order to receive the remission of sins. In baptism, the sinner's sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5).
What does one have to do in order to be forgiven of his sins?
He must:
Are you saved from your sins? Have taken these simple steps to salvation? If not, why not do so today?
-Written by Rod Rutherford for Truth for the World-
God loves us. He does not want us to be punished for our sins. Therefore, He has provided a way for us to be forgiven (John 3:16). God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins (1 John 4:10). Jesus suffered the punishment which we should have received for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6). He did not die for His own sins, for He had none (2 Corinthians 5:21). He suffered for our sins on the cross so that we can be forgiven (Romans 5:6-8; 1 Peter 2:24).
In order for us to be forgiven of our sins, and therefore receive eternal life, we must accept salvation according to the plan which Christ has made possible. There are five steps which we must take to enter into the saved relationship with Christ.
First, we must hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). One is not a Christian because his parents are. Just as sin is not inherited, neither is faith (Ezekiel 18:20). Each person must believe in Jesus Christ for himself. Christianity is a religion of teaching (Matthew 28:19,20. Unless one has heard the Gospel and learned that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and arose from the dead, he cannot be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The apostle Paul wrote: "How shall they call Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher" (Romans 10:14)? One must first hear and understand the Gospel before he can believe it.
Second, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Jesus said: "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). The jailor at Philippi asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:30,31). Jesus also said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). One comes to believe in Jesus Christ when he hears the Word of God (Romans 10:17). This is the reason it is so important that the Gospel be preached to the whole world (Mark 16:15).
Third, one must repent of his sins in order to be saved (Acts 17:30,31). Jesus commanded that "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47). Repentance is a result of being sorry for one's sins (2 Corinthians 7:10). When the Jews on Pentecost Day learned from Peter that they had crucified the Son of God, they "were pricked in their heart" (Acts 2:37). They wanted to be forgiven of their sins, so they asked, "What shall we do?" They were told to "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:37,38). When one repents, he turns away from his sin (1 Thessalonians 1:9). He shows he has repented by doing good works (Matthew 3:8).
Fourth, one must confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). This great truth is the very foundation upon which the church of Christ is built (Matthew 16:18;Acts 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Jesus said that we must be willing to confess Him before men if we want Him to confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32,33). The apostle Paul wrote: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:8-10). When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch responded, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Philip told him he could be baptized if he believed. The eunuch then confessed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:35-38). We must make this important, yet simple confession also in order to be saved.
Fifth, one must be baptized in order to be saved. Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;" (Mark 16:16). Please note that baptism follows belief. One who does not believe that Gospel cannot be truly baptized. Therefore, babies cannot be baptized for they are too young to (1) have sin, (2) hear the Gospel, (3) repent of sins, and (4) confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Baptism also follows repentance. On Pentecost Day, Peter told those who asked what to do to be saved to "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized..." (Acts 2:38). One cannot be truly baptized who has not truly repented.
Baptism is a burial in water (Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12). Therefore, sprinkling or pouring are not proper baptism. Baptism is in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). One is not saved before he is baptized! Baptism is "for the remission (forgiveness) of sins" (Acts 2:38). Just as Jesus shed His blood for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28), so we are baptized in order to receive the remission of sins. In baptism, the sinner's sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5).
What does one have to do in order to be forgiven of his sins?
He must:
- Hear the Gospel of Christ
- Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
- Repent of all his past sins
- Confess that Christ is God's Son
- Be Baptized for the remission of sins
Are you saved from your sins? Have taken these simple steps to salvation? If not, why not do so today?
-Written by Rod Rutherford for Truth for the World-
