The churches of Christ say that only members of Christ’s Church, the Church of Jesus Christ, are going to Heaven. Because the Church of Christ says this, many are either malicious or mistaken in asserting that this means that only those with name “church of Christ” on the building’s sign are going to Heaven.
After going to dozens of congregations of the churches of Christ, being a minister of the Church of Christ, a student under professors at colleges of the Church of Christ, reading numerous books and articles from preachers and leaders within the churches of Christ, I’ve never heard that only the “Church of Christ” denomination, only “church-of-Christ-ers” and, or only those with the sign “Church of Christ” on the building are going go to Heave
n. I have heard this from others outside of the churches of Christ. I’ve heard it over and over again, but not from the teachers, preachers, and elders of the churches of Christ. The truth is that this claim that “They think that they are the only ones going to Heaven” has come from other spiteful, malicious, and antagonistic preachers and teachers of denominations, who teach their members who then go and spread it around. They don’t encourage their members to know much about the churches of Christ.
I have heard over and over again from my fellowship in Christ that the Scriptures teach that Christ only saves the Church of Jesus Christ, only Christians. Ephesians 5:25-27 says,
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.“
Clearly those of the Church are saved, but are they the only ones? All the saved at baptism are added to the Church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47). When one is baptized, then one is added to the Church (1 Cor. 12:13). Evidently, only those who are baptized are saved being added to the Church. As Ephesians 5:26 shows, Jesus washed those in the Church with water and Ephesians 4:5 says that there is only one baptism.
Now, follow another point. See that the Church is the household of God according to 1 Timothy 3:15, which states,
“if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”
First Peter 4:17 says of the Church and salvation,
“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
Apparently, the Church of Christ are those who are saved by obedience to the Gospel, since those apart from the Gospel are eternally condemned (2 Thess. 1:7-9, 1 Pet. 1:22-23, Rom. 5:12). The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Christians are stand and are saved by the Gospel, which is the death, the burial, and the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Again, that Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for which Christians obey by dying to sin, being buried in baptism, and being resurrected in the newness of life (Rom. 6:3-7, Col. 2:12-13). One cannot be resurrected with Christ without dying with Him being buried by baptism into His death. Those who have obey the Gospel are in Christ’s Church, but those who have not obeyed the Gospel are not in the Church. There is no difference between the Church and the saved for these are the same (Acts 2:41, 47).
Now, are those of the Church of Christ the only ones going to Heaven? Yes! The Church is saved and not any denominated body of believers, but the one and only Church of Jesus Christ. It is the Church that Christ established and bought with His own blood (Acts 20:28). It is the Church that is cleansed of their sins by the blood of Christ (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). Ephesians 4:5 says that there is only one body, which Ephesians 1:22-23 says that this is the Church. Because of this Scriptural teaching that those of the Church of Jesus Christ are the only ones saved and going to Heaven, then when a member of the Church of Christ preaches this truth, then some have seen the opportunity to attack the churches of Christ and claim that they are an exclusive sectarian denomination and a borderline cult. Why? Because we teach that those who have not been baptized in Jesus’ name are not in the Church and these are not of the saved, but the Bible teaches that baptism is essential to salvation when the Lord adds one to the Church (Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
Now, the churches of Christ do oppose denominations, which to denominate means to divide into divisions into named groups. This is condemned in Scripture and those who practice such will not inherit the kingdom of Heaven (Gal. 5:20, 1 Cor. 1:10). We in the churches of Christ seek not to be a denomination and do not claim to be a denomination, but only members of the Church of Christ, Therefore, we carry the titles “Church of Christ”, “churches of Christ”, “Church of Jesus Christ”, “Christians”, “disciples of Christ”, and so on with Scriptural names for the Church and members thereof. I only know of our signs having the name “Church of Christ” and I do not know any of the churches of Jesus Christ who do not have that sign on their buildings though there may and should exist. We do not set ourselves apart from any other Scriptural congregation based on what Scriptural name that they have on their building sign.
We stand against the leaders and teachers of these denominations pleading with their members to be Christians only following only Christ through His words. If the leaders of a congregation change the Gospel of Christ and do not follow the commands of God, we are told to note, mark, and avoid those who do denominate and who teach contrary to what the Apostles and prophets teach in the Scriptures (Rom. 16:17; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14; Tit. 1:10-13, 3:10; 2 John 10-11). Because of our confident stance upon the Scriptures as our sole authority for doctrines and practices by which we “observe all things” that Jesus instructed (Matt. 28:20). We strive to not go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6). Because of this, then we are judged and scoffed for our love of God and our obedience to His commands (John 14:21, 23; 1 John 5:3, 2 John 6). Let it be clear that members of all denominations are welcome to be Christians only apart from denominations. All may visit and enter the assemblies of the churches of Christ. I’ve had many friends and family associated with denominations who have attended our assemblies regularly, and they are welcomed to be our honored guests.
Some might declare that we are still a denomination even though we claim not to be. This is the same as saying that though someone is not a member of a political party and yet voted in an election for someone of similar conviction, who is a member a political party, then you must be a part of that political party. The foolishness is clear. We must not be of any Christian party, but be Christians only. We refuse to be a part of any denomination nor to even side with a particular denomination. We wish that others would respect that and not scoff, revile, and slander our beliefs. Members of the churches of Jesus Christ are only members of the Church of Christ because these are not two but the same thing. Let it be clear. We are not members of any denomination.
On a side thought, consider this if you are a member of a denomination. What did you do to become a member of your denomination that you did not do to become a Christian? If there is no difference, then why are not all Christians members of your denomination? If there is a difference, then why does your denomination differ from the Christ’s Church in becoming a member? Also consider this. Must one be a member of your church or a denomination to go to Heaven? Must one be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ to go to Heaven? Which church should we be a part of, the denomination or the church of Jesus Christ? I can and will only be a member of the Church of Christ.
Find out more about the churches of Christ via this online video, “Searching for the Truth“.
I should ad that the diagnoses are from secular psychologist and psychiatrist. I’ve dealt with the “problem” for 40+ years and it was not until I stepped out of my “comfort zone” of the church in which I was raised was I able to find some answers. For years many in the congregations I was raised in have used and still use 2 Thessalonians 2 in regards to delusions against others while failing to look at their own lives. Their own philosophy leaves them in danger of Galatians 3:1. Love is not just in word. Are “experiences” necessary? I don’t think so, and attempting to live by sight (relying on feelings) rather than faith is not good. But to deny “mystical” experiences as a whole is too deny the truth. It can also keep people in bondage that could be freed. Many are convinced that not all “psychiatric” anomalies are physiological in nature. As the OT pointed to Christ so does the NT. Yet no where does it demand we be cookie cutter Christians. The problem is too often fear of moving forward. The English language is a pain at times. And like most other groups we pointed fingers at , many still want to live the faith of their ancestors. Rather than being a Berean or studying to show themselves approved they carry the same prejudices of before. And “mysticism” outside of the Word is a danger. Too may want to deny the power of the Dark side also. Witchcraft is not a lot of hocus pocus. Those converted in Acts did not burn their witchcraft materials for nought. There are shysters and sleight of hand folks.But not all psychics are fake. Such is another danger of not taking certain realms seriously.. Granted not all maybe affected the same way. But some may be and not even realize it.
I agree. It is when mysticism loses Christ and adds new revelation to Him that brings err and heretical teaching. If as some claimed mystical help for their personal life, there is no objection. In the brotherhood, there is concern when some glories in this, applies it to Christ, or justifies sin.
Phil,
Like I’ve said, I doubt the claims of personal revelation. I do believe that God including the Spirit will bless us with wisdom when we pray (Jas. 1). I’ve studied the Spirit and the whole of the Scriptures thoroughly and I do not read of anyone receiving personal revelation without the laying on the Apostles’ hands (Acts 8:14-17).
I do believe in the indwelling of the Spirit, Christ, the Word, and of the Father. Some say that Christ and the Father indwell through the Spirit, and some say that the Spirit, Christ, and the Father dwell through the indwelling Word. I personally see no distinction and through diligent study have not resolved this and do not think it a matter of losing salvation. I believe that we should not judge one another such matters of opinion, but I’m always open to scripture that I may overlooked and did not study close enough.
To answer your question, I believe that my understanding comes through the Apostles and the prophets (Eph. 3:3-5). By the indwelling word (Jas. 1:21, Col. 3:16), Christ’s Spirit dwells in me as much as Christ Himself dwells in Me (Rom. 8:9-11). Therefore, I mind the Spirit (Rom. 8:5-6). There are different understandings of the indwelling of the Spirit for which I do not find threatening to salvation, but worthy of discussion without offense. Therefore, I see the indwelling through the Word and also through the Spirit.
Understanding is important and not subjective or we have to say that Jesus did not sustain His words or communicated effectively enough to be understood. As you know, our worship is to be of the spirit and the mind (1 Cor. 14:15). First Corinthians 14 addresses what was lacking in the Assembly of the saints, which was the edification of the mind and maturity in knowledge (1 Cor. 14:20). I believe that we can be united in the same mind and the same judgment (1 Cor. 1:10). This is the unity that we must endeavor to keep (Eph. 4:1-6). This understanding was compete and not subjective to Luke (Luke 1:3). The different understandings have a cause. Jesus said, “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word” (John 8:43). As we know, Jesus did not fail to communicate.
I believe this study goes over into things that we cannot understand. Secret things that belong to the Lord (Deut. 29:29) like trying to understand the eternity of God’s existence is beyond our comprehension as His knowledge is greater than the Universe that He created for which we cannot fully comprehend.
Phil, you wrote accusing me of saying something that I didn’t and accusing me of error on different matters. I have simply answered you and welcomed the scriptures to which you refer. May God bless us in the study of His Word.
Do we only know of God’s existence and presence by reading the Bible? Not at all.
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.
Hebrews 8:11
No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
Certainly the story of Jesus is only known through the Scriptures, but when the Spirit is awakened within us (through regeneration) then our dependency on the written text becomes less as our direct connection grows. The parable of the vine and branch validate this.
We should be careful not to get so connected to the words that it hinders our personal connection to God. God is interactive with us and this is what must be encouraged.
You said, “Understanding is important and not subjective or we have to say that Jesus did not sustain His words or communicated effectively enough to be understood.” If one is intellectually processing the words of the text then this understanding is subjective. Understanding that comes from the Spirit is not subjective. The key is knowing the difference. We cannot become too analytical in our study of the Truth. It will lead us astray. Instead we must become passive and allow God to give us understanding. Understanding can be something as subtle as an epiphany and not a logical conclusion.
Let go and let God.
Why are you trying to teach and instruct me about things that I already know?
First John 3:24 is one of passage that shows us that we have the Spirit when follow God’s commands, which we have received through the Spirit’s guidance of the written Word.
Hebrews 8:11 is a general reference to the New Israel, the Church where everyone knows the Lord.
I agree the Spirit regenerates us and we are born of the Spirit. The Spirit does this, but necessary within or without the Word.
“Understanding can be something as subtle as an epiphany and not a logical conclusion.” This is where you need scripture. Explain this with scripture. You say that we shouldn’t be diligent but passive? Why? What scripture teaches this?
Here is where we differ. You say “we have the Spirit when we follow God’s commands.” I think the bible teaches that when we have the Spirit we follow God’s commands from His Spirit within us. One can certainly follow God’s commands from the flesh but the flesh is contaminated with the sin nature. The Spirit is not and therefore the task is live from the Spirit not from the flesh. Not sure you’re getting this important point.
Regarding “passiveness,” there is plenty of insight (in the NT) into how the seeker should become passive so that God’s Spirit can dwell within us and then become the means by which we obey. The parable of the vine and the branch is a perfect example. The branch is passive in it’s development. It does not pro-actively grow on it’s own. A major NT principle is that we are made strong through weakness and that one must die to find life. These are both passive in nature. we cannot pro-actively become weak. We cannot pro-actively die to self.
The coC theology is not directed toward passiveness. It is based on pro-active pursuit toward salvation. I spent 35 years in the coC. I know of what they teach.
Yes, there is a place for pro-activity in the early stages of Christianity, but at some point this pro-action must give way to passiveness as the seeker understands the futility of living from the flesh.
I hope you will open yourself up to these possibilities. If you do God will take you where you can’t take yourself.
Too many still don’t understand “It is finished”. They have fallen into the trap of Gal. 3:1 and even worse their fruit is that of Col.2:6. Having relegated the Spirit to the written Word like the Pharisses they have eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear. Man made rules and traditions quench rather than give life. They destroy unity which Christ sent the Spirit to build. Many also do not understand rhema and logos We are to live by faith and not sight, but an abuse of the gifts has led to outright denial and a highly probable misinterpretation of 1 Cor 13:8 by many groups including many of the coC. I too was raised and still attend. Works of the Spirit are manifest, but the Word speaks of what is being produced by the Spirit not by the written Word. The arrogance of the flesh is very evident in those who try to live totally by the Law and even more so when tradition becomes law. We become actors(Hypocrites) rather than branches. Our fruit is ours not His.
Excellent thoughts, DW. I agree wholeheartedly.
I meant Col. 2:20ff instead of 2:6.
The Pharisees did not relegate the Spirit to the written Word. They didn’t know the word. They used the word. They were very progressive in justifying divorce for any reason and dishonoring their parents by not caring for them.
Let’s not quench the Spirit in quenching prophecy (1 Thess. 5:19-20). The Apostles spoke of the Spirit speaking to us through the Scriptures (Acts 1:18, 28:25, Heb. 3:7, 10:15) and through the prophesies of the Apostles and the prophets (Eph. 2:19, 3:3-5), which we only have today through the Scriptures.
First Cor. 13:9-10 shows the completion of prophecy and the continuance of love in verse 8. The partial is partial prophecy, but with the complete or the completion (perfection) of prophecy. Now, partial prophecy is gone, when we received everything from the Spirit through the Apostles and prophets (Eph. 3:3-5).
“Now, partial prophecy is gone, when we received everything from the Spirit through the Apostles and prophets (Eph. 3:3-5).”
This simply is not true. We have a direct connection to God without the Apostles. You referred to this in John 3:24.
Also, John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth….
How can you say that the Spirit only teaches through the Apostle in light of plenty of evidence otherwise?
Semantics plays a part. We have started a study on the Spirit and the truth be told many do not want “direct revelation” lest they lose control of their own lives. Many are spiritually blind, many immature. Many think of direct revelation and think automatically of a new plan of salvation. One can still receive a word of knowledge as wisdom or instruction in their spirit as God wills. I don’t believe Scott denies this. Yet I do believe also that obedience to the written Word yields peace and favor also. Read Corrie ten boom’s account of meeting a former captor. Her human nature did not want to forgive. But she was not unkind to the man, embraced him and then says she had a sense of peace come in. The word work also bothers many. Yield is a verb in the English language and we are taught that verbs are action or work words. So even passively yielding to the Spirit or submitting ourselves to the Father of spirits as in Hebrews is a work. It is not a man-made tradition, but a work to which we are saved and is a fruit. The Spirit called Paul to many places. His work was to follow the lead.. Receiving the gift of salvation is still an active -passive act under the rules of the English language. Some of the works that are plain in the Bible are in James 1:26ff. Our willingness to do even in “infancy” shows a want to grow. But that is from God. The problem is still when misinterpretation and context or mis-context become law. One of the biggest problems I find in many who come out of any group including the coC is the danger of “reverse” arrogance. We are to refute false doctrine, which binding in an unscriptural way is. But as in speaking in tongues the problem is not really does it or doesn’t it still exist, but do I bind belief or otherwise in a way which negates the efficacy of the blood. And is it really a necessity of salvation. At times we do wrangle too much and faith is messed up. We want cookie cutter Christianity. And that is not of The Spirit, it’s a control issue.
Certainly obedience to written revelation is virtuous, but it only addresses the form of the individual. It does not address the content. Laws, commands, rules and regs have their place in the life of the Christian, but this is not the highest calling of the Christian. The Galatians were Christians but they were also void of Christ within them. They were attracted to law. Paul’s frustration with them was displayed in his quote: Galatians 4:19
“My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” So the Galatians were Christian but Christ had not yet been formed in them. Are there Christians today like this? Absolutely! The written text and the law become their only tool toward obedience and yet they think that this is all there is to Christianity. The law has it’s place but obedience to commands is not evidence of the presence of the Spirit. Galatians 3:19, “Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come.” The Seed is the Spirit and the law keeps us in line until Christ (The Spirit) is formed in us. Those who insist that we are under the rule of written commands is admitting that Christ has not yet been formed in them. If Christ had been formed in them then they certainly would not be extolling the virtues of living from the text.
Scott,
Your reference to 1 John 3:24 is a good one. However, would you be of the belief that all one has to do is obey the commands to know that they have the Spirit? If a Christian obeys the commands from a sense of fear of what will happen if they don’t would this still awaken the Spirit within them? This is important because 1 John 3:24 does not address this.
Also this passage goes on to say that we know He lives in us by the Spirit He gave us, and not by the written word he gave us. Your thoughts?
I didn’t say that we have the Spirit when follow, but rather we are shown we have the Spirit when we keep God’s commands (1 John 3:24). We have the Spirit when our minds are set on the Spirit (Rom. 8:5-6).
What do you mean by “sin nature”?
Dying to sin is an act. It is a work of submission and humility. The vine and branches does not show that one is passive in receiving the Spirit, but one is active and remains in Christ.
Should we be passive toward the flesh? “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (Rom. 6:12).
Yes, Rom. 7 shows that being pro-active in the flesh and the law will not bring obedience, but rather being pro-active toward the mind on the Spirit in Rom. 8 and now we can follow Christ rather than the Law or flesh. By reading Rom. 7, we see that working does nothing without the Spirit as seen in Rom. 8. The only passiveness is not following the law in the flesh, but rather setting the mind on the Spirit.
I strongly disagree with your contention that Christians are only proactive in their Christianity. If you cannot see that passive surrender is the way toward relationship with God then I cannot help you.
The sin nature is the flesh. That’s exactly what it is: “A sin nature.”
You said, “Should we be passive toward the flesh?” Maybe not in the way you are thinking, but can you overcome the flesh by means of the flesh? Surrendering the flesh (sin nature) to God empowers the Spirit, so in a way yes you are passive toward the flesh. You can win the war against the flesh.
Surrender is passive. You cannot be proactive in surrender. I’m not sure you have a grasp on how the Spirit works. Your job is to get out of the way and allow the Spirit to do His work in you. You are to become the dwelling place in which God lives by His Spirit. If you don’t agree with this then you are still a babe in Christ. I don’t know how you can read the NT and miss this point.
The question is this?…..
Pro-active pursuit, or passive surrender?
Which will you choose?
“Pro-active pursuit, or passive surrender?” Both.
“I’m not sure you have a grasp on how the Spirit works. Your job is to get out of the way and allow the Spirit to do His work in you.” No. I’d rather the Spirit work through me.
Regarding Gal. 3-4, if I speak of any law, I speak of the Law of Christ and faith (Gal. 6:2, Rom. 3:27, 8:2) and not the Law of Moses (Gal. 3-4, Rom. 11:6) or the natural law of the conscience (Rom. 2:14-15).
John 16:13 are Jesus’ words to His Apostles. Should we consider the Spirit speaking through the Apostles to be any more current than Jesus speaking to us in the flesh? No. Yet, both speak to us through the scriptures.
I have no more to discuss. I only request that you give scriptures for your beliefs for any further consideration.
As I have said there is a place for pro-action, but as the Christian matures and allows Christ to be formed in them then it is Christ who works in the believer, not the believer working for him/her self.
You said, “Regarding Gal. 3-4, if I speak of any law, I speak of the Law of Christ and faith (Gal. 6:2, Rom. 3:27, 8:2) and not the Law of Moses (Gal. 3-4, Rom. 11:6) or the natural law of the conscience (Rom. 2:14-15).”
Not sure what you mean here. When the NT refers to law it does not always mean the old law. Law has limitation as far as changing the consciousness of the believer, which is the essence of the new covenant. Law can only change behavior.
NT law is inner law, not outer law and the principles that govern the person under inner law (the law of Christ) are not about the believer working at fulfilling this law but is about the believer surrendering their will to God and allowing God to fulfill the law in them.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Ephesians 2:22
And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
I have given you plenty of Scriptures to support my claims. You seem to present scriptures that support your theory of “Christiany by the scripture” but do not present much that support “Christianity by The Spirit.” You claim the the Spirit works through the Scriptures but minimize the fact that that the Spirit work equally in the consciousness, even though the NT speaks much about the direct work of the Spirit in the believer. I have given you enough scripture to support this claim.
Please show me where the NT says that living by the written text is more valuable than living by the Spirit and I will leave it alone. I don’t think you can do this. But please try.
Thank you.
DW,
Amen. I agree especially with yielding and being passively not excluding our active faith. I only disagree with exception in regards to the churches of Christ from my experience. I also add that the tongue-speaking of unknown languages is a problem in the Assembly without an interpreter, which he is to bring more revelation (1 Cor. 14). This is not anymore about control than the Apostle Paul’s “control” excluding foreign languages without interpretation for the sake of the edification of the mind (1 Cor. 14:9-20ff). I believe the Scriptures to be complete in revelation from the Apostles and prophets and I am challenged by the usefulness of supposed interpretation of unknown languages. I am convinced that such partial revelation has ceased and now prophecy is complete. Certainly, speaking by the Spirit in foreign languages would have ceased too as a means of revealing prophecy.
Scott, I agree with 1 Cor. 14, also. I had a member of the Way College “speak” years ago. He had an interpreter. Had to take the interpretation by faith which I didn’t. I think 1 Cor. 14 is more in line with a manifestation of Acts 1 ad 2. I though no longer will argue over ecstatic utterances. Are they necessary,? Paul negates that. But to make a dogmatic statement in regards to existence I can’t. At least not as primary doctrine. I believe God is still the author of faith. We have the Word. Our unity is to be in Christ. What happens in another person’s spirit is between Him and God. If the fruit of the Spirit is evident in their life I can’t see the inner man. The control issue is that of dogma. It instills fear that is unfounded. Be it tongues, choirs, located ministers, etc. To judge another as not in Christ due to a differing opinion is to put oneself in a dangerous place according to Matthew 7 and James 4.
Maybe you have point there that addressing tongue-speaking is not worth it since it really reveals itself. Yet, I think we should still warn the immature.
These tongue-speakers would also be able to support their revelations with miracles (Heb. 2:3-4). Tongues were for evangelizing the world. If any of the so-called tongue speakers were so much more spiritual than us (1 Cor .14:22), I’d expect them to be evangelists to lands of foreign languages. The Gospel spread to all the nations before the writing of Romans and Colossians. To do this starting with 12 Apostles and those whom they laid hands on is nothing short of amazing, which testifies to authenticity of spiritual gifts and proving Christ all over again.
Judge fruits? Yes (Matt. 7:20). Judge eternal destination? No (Rom. 14:10).
There are absolutes in 1 Cor 6 and Rev. 21 which although we still can’t judge the person we can warn. We didn’t write, we just point.