Questions and Answers about the Church of Christ
What is the Church of Christ ?
Answer: The Church of Christ is a body of Christians seeking to restore first century Christianity in this the twentieth century. In the first century, the followers of Christ were all members of one church. (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4-5) They were united in purpose and plan because they all accepted Christ and his authority.
On what basis can all people unite in Christ?
Answer: Obviously unity can only come through the acceptance of a common standard of authority. Christ said, “All authority is given unto me…” Matthew 28:18. Churches of Christ plead for a complete return to the authority of Christ.
Is the church a denominational church and what name does the church use?
Answer: Churches of Christ wear no human name (Romans 16:16) nor uphold any creed apart from the Bible. Penitent believers are baptized into Christ upon a confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of GOD. (Galatians 3:27; Acts 8:37, Romans 10:10) They follow the simple, yet impressive, pattern of worship practiced by the New Testament Church . Upon the first day of each week more than 2 million Christians in 20,000 congregations around the world assemble as Churches of Christ. These Christians partake of the Lord’s Supper, pray, sing hymns, study the Bible, and contribute of their finances as each purposes in his/her own heart.
The Church of Christ is an Undenominational institution
DENOMINATIONALISM |
CHURCH OF CHRIST |
Many bodies or churches |
One body or church (Matt. 16:18; I Cor. 12:20) |
Founded by men |
Founded by Christ (Matt. 16:18) |
Human head |
Christ is the head (Eph. 1:22-23) |
Human creeds |
Bible as only creed (I Tim. 3:16-17) |
Wear human names |
Glorify God in the name Christian (I Peter 4:16) |
Follow men |
Following men is condemned (I Cor. 1:10-13) |
Many churches unknown to the Bible |
Mentioned in the Bible (Romans 16:16) |
Membership in denominations is not essential to salvation |
Membership in Christ’s church is essential to salvation (Eph. 5:23) |
Preach many gospels |
If a man preach any other gospel, he is condemned (Gal. 1:8-9) |
Rewrite creeds every few years |
Bible remains the same (Matt. 24:35) |
Many faiths |
One faith (Eph. 4:5) |
Many baptisms |
One baptism (Eph. 4:5) |
Join churches |
God adds to “the church” (Acts 2:47) |
Claim to be abiding in the branches of the church |
Jesus said. “abide in me,” the true vine (John 15:1-6) |
Walk by different rules |
Walk by the same rule (Phil. 3:16) |
Thank God for so many churches |
Jesus’ prayer for oneness (John 17:20-21) |
Claim doctrine is inconsequential |
Take heed unto doctrine to save self and others (I Tim. 4:16) |