Those that are familiar with the Church of Christ know that the church
believes that they are the only true church. While many have falsely and
ignorantly accused members of the Lord’s church as being exclusive and
arrogant, the fact is that the Church of Christ does believe that there is
no other true church. In this article some facts will be revealed that
teach that the Church of Christ is not the only one in many things.
The Church of Christ is not the only one that accepts the Bible, as God’s
final revealed will for mankind. There are many denominations, cults and
sects that do not completely accept what is written in the Bible as being
inspired and accurate. They deny the creation account; reject the virgin
birth and miracles. Some parishioners are surprised to find out that their
preacher (pastor) does not accept the entire bible as being complete and
accurate. But not all denominations believe this. There are some, like the
Church of Christ, that believe that the Bible is indeed God’s final,
complete, perfect and divinely inspired word. 2 Peter 1:20-21 teaches that
“…no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no
prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy
Spirit spoke from God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “…that when you received the
word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men,
but for what it really is, the word of God…” Those, like the Church of
Christ, that accept the Bible as God’s perfect and final revelation for
mankind make no apology for believing this. We know, by faith and
perfection, that the Bible is true and inspired. But the Church of Christ
is not the only one that believes this.
The Church of Christ is not the only one that recognizes a distinction
between the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah
prophesized that a distinction would be made between these two covenants
(Jeremiah 31:31-34). God promised a new covenant also known as a new
testament. In John 1:17 the Word says, “For the Law was given through
Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” Grace and mercy
were not a primary part of the Old Testament but are in the New Testament.
The Hebrew writer made this distinction in Hebrews 8:7-13 and 9:15-17.
While we realize that the Old Testament is not the law that governs us today
we accept what the Scriptures teach about the place and importance of the
Old Testament. Paul wrote that it is for our learning lest we repeat the
same mistakes (Romans 15:4). We must continue to look to the Old Testament
for our learning but we look towards Christ for our salvation, for there is
no salvation in another name, only in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12;
Hebrews 1:1-2; Colossians 2:14). But the Church of Christ is not the only
one that believes this; several denominations, cults and sects also believe
this. In this we are not unique.
The Church of Christ does not use instrumental music in her worship to the
Lord. [Contrary to popular belief we do believe in music but not in the
worship to our Lord.] But the Church of Christ is not the only religious
body that believes and practices this. Several denominations, cults and
sects do not use instrumental music in their worship to the Lord. They,
like the Church of Christ, recognize that the use of instrumental music to
worship the Lord is an addition to the law of Christ. There are nine New
Testament passages that mention singing: Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26, Acts
16:25, Romans 15:9, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16,
Hebrews 2:12 and James 5:13. In all of these passages of scripture the type
of music specified and that music is the voice. The reason the Church of
Christ and others do not use instrumental music to worship God is because
the apostles did not use them, the early church (1st century) did
not use them and Christ neither authorized nor used them. In this too, the
Church of Christ is not unique.
The Church of Christ observes the Lord’s Supper every first day of the
week. This is a command that is found in the New Testament scripture for
the Lord’s church (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; c.f. Exodus
20:8). But the Church of Christ is not the only religious group that
observes the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week.
The Church of Christ believes and practices baptism by immersion and for the
remission of sins. Matthew 3:16 records the baptism of Christ and we are
told that HE went in and UP from the water. Acts 8:36-49 relates the
incident when the Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized. He went into the water and
then up from the water. Colossians 2:12 defines baptism as a burial. Acts
2:38, Mark 16:16, acts 22:16 and 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is for the
remission of sins. Yet the Church of Christ is not the only religious body
that believes and practices this. In this we are not unique.
The Church of Christ believes that the only church government that is
authorized to exist is at the local level or congregational government.
There is no head that oversees all the churches or a group of churches.
Jesus is the head not Peter or the pope (Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:1-2).
Elders and deacons should exist in every church. The local eldership has
the charge of pasturing the flock not ONE man that calls himself the pastor
(Philippians 1:1-2, 1 Peter 5:1-3). Again, the Church of Christ is not the
only religious group that believes this.
The Church of Christ stresses godliness, holiness and abstinence from the
world. Scripture like Titus 2:12, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Timothy 4:12, 1
Thessalonians 5:22, Galatians 5:19-26 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 teach that
one should live a godly and holy life dedicated to the service of the Lord.
Yet there are others that teach and believe this also, in this the Church of
Christ is not unique.
Several
practices and beliefs have been discussed and pointed out that while the
Church of Christ believes these things there are others that do also. But
there is a difference! The Church of Christ is the ONLY one that practices
ALL of these things not just some but all. I encourage you to attend the
nearest Church of Christ and find these truths out for yourself. Ask bible
questions and receive bible answers. Peace to all.
(Adapted from a sermon. Do not know the source. Ed T. Rangel)