What is the Christian Church and What do they Believe?
By Emory Jones, Deacon
What is the distinctive plea of the church of Christ?
Historical background of the Restoration Movement
How many churches of Christ are there?
How are the churches organizationally connected?
How are the churches of Christ governed?
What does the church of Christ believe about the Bible?
Do members of the church of Christ believe in virgin birth?
Does the church of Christ believe in predestination?
Why does the church of Christ baptize only by immersion?
Is infant baptism practiced?
Do ministers of the church hear confession?
Are prayers addressed to the saints?
How often is the Lord's supper eaten?
What kind of music is used in the worship?
Does the church of Christ believe in heaven and hell?
Does the Christian Church believe in purgatory?
By what means does the church secure financial support?
Does the church of Christ have a creed?
How does one become a member of the Christian Church?
What is the distinctive plea of the church of Christ?
It is primarily a plea for religious unity based upon the Bible. In a divided religious world it is believed that the Bible is the only possible common denominator upon which most, if not all, of the God-fearing people of the land can unite. This is an appeal to go back to the Bible. It is a plea to speak where the Bible speak and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that pertain to religion. It further emphasizes that in everything religious there must be a "Thus saith the Lord" for all that is done. The
objective is religious unity of all believers in Christ. The basis is the New Testament. The method is the restoration of New Testament Christianity.
The Historical background of the Restoration Movement
One of the earliest advocates of the return to New Testament Christianity, as a means of achieving unity of all believers in Christ, was James O'Kelly of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. In 1793 he withdrew from the Baltimore conference of his church and called upon others to join him in taking the Bible as the only creed. His influence was largely felt in Virginia and North Carolina where history records that some seven thousand communicants followed his leadership toward a return to primitive New Testament Christianity. In 1802 a similar movement among the Baptists in New England was led by Abner Jones and Elias Smith. They were concerned about "denominational names and creeds" and
decided to wear only the name Christian, taking Bible as their only guide. In
1804, in the western frontier state of Kentucky, Barton W. Stone and several
other Presbyterian preachers took similar action declaring that they would take
the Bible as the "only sure guide to heaven." Thomas Campbell, and his illustrious son, Alexander Campbell, took similar steps in the year 1809 in what is now the state of West Virginia. They contended that nothing should be
bound upon Christians as a matter of doctrine which is not as old as the New
Testament. Although these four movements were completely independent in their
beginnings eventually they became one strong restoration movement because of
their common purpose and plea. These men did not advocate the starting of a new
church, but rather a return to Christ's church as described in the
Bible.
Members of
the church of Christ do not conceive of themselves as a new church started near
the beginning of the 19th century. Rather, the whole movement is designed to
reproduce in contemporary times the church originally established on Pentecost,
A.D. 30. The strength of the appeal lies in the restoration of Christ's
original church.
How
many churches of Christ are there?
The most
recent dependable estimate lists more than 42,000 congregations worldwide with
over
5 million members. Membership of the church is heaviest in the
southern states of the United States, particularly Tennessee and Texas, though
congregations exist in each of the fifty states and in over 100 foreign
countries. Missionary expansion has been most extensive since the second World
War in Europe, Asia and Africa. The churches of Christ now have five times as
many members as were reported in the U.S. Religious Census of
1936.
How
are the churches organizationally connected?
Following
the plan of organization found in the New Testament, churches of Christ are
autonomous. Their common faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are
the chief ties which bind them together. There is no central headquarters of
the church, and no organization superior to the elders of each local
congregation. Congregations do cooperate voluntarily in supporting the orphans
and the aged, in preaching the gospel in new fields, and in other similar
works.
There are
no conventions, annual meetings, or official publications. The "tie that binds"
is a common loyalty to the principles of the restoration of New Testament
Christianity.
How
are the churches of Christ governed?
In each
congregation, which has existed long enough to become fully organized, there is
a plurality of elders or presbyters who serve as the governing body. These men
are selected by the local congregations on the basis of qualifications set down
in the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8). Serving under the elders are deacons,
teachers, and evangelists or ministers. The latter do not have the authority
equal to or superior to the elders. The elders are shepherds or overseers who
serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament, which is a
kind of constitution. There is no earthly authority superior to the elders of
the local church.
What
does the church of Christ believe about the Bible?
The
original autographs of the sixty six books which make up the Bible are
considered to have been divinely inspired, by which it is meant that they are
infallible and authoritative. Reference to the scriptures is made in settling
every religious question. A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the
final word. The basic textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is
the Bible.
Do
members of the churches of Christ believe in the virgin
birth?
Yes. The
statement in Isaiah 7:14 is taken as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ.
New Testament passages such as Matthew 1:20, 25, are accepted at face value as
declarations of the virgin birth. Christ is accepted as the only begotten Son
of God, uniting in his person perfect divinity and perfect
manhood.
Does
the church of Christ believe in predestination?
Only in
the sense that God predestines the righteous to be eternally saved and the
unrighteous to be eternally lost. The statement of the apostle Peter, "Of a
truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he
that fears Him and works righteousness is acceptable unto him" (Acts 10:34-35.)
is taken as an evidence that God did not predestine individuals to be eternally
saved or lost, but that each man determines his own destiny. The Gospel message
is for ALL: "For God is not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth"
(1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Why
does the church of Christ baptize only by immersion?
The word
baptize comes from the Greek word "baptizo" and literally means, "to dip, to
immerse, to plunge." In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion
is practiced because it was the practice of the church in apostolic times.
Still further, only immersion conforms to the description of baptisms as given
by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 where he speaks of it as a burial and
resurrection.
Is
infant baptism practiced?
No. Only
those who have reached the "age of accountability" are accepted for baptisms.
It is pointed out that the examples given in the New Testament are always of
those who have heard the gospel preached and have believed it. Faith must
always precede baptism, so only those old enough to understand and believe the
gospel are considered fit subjects for baptism.
Do
ministers of the church hear confession?
No.
Ministers or evangelists of the church have no special prerogatives. They do
not wear the title of Reverend or Father, but are addressed simply by the term
Brother as are all other men of the church. Along with elders and others they
do counsel and advise those seeking help.
Are
prayers addressed to the saints?
No. God
the Father is considered the only one to whom the prayers may be addressed. It
is further understood that Christ stands in a mediatorial position between God
and man (Hebrews 7:25). All prayers are therefore offered through Christ, or in
the name of Christ (John 16:23-26).
How often is the Lord's supper eaten?
It is
expected that every member of the church will assemble for worship on each
Lord's day. A central part of the worship is the eating of the Lord's supper
(Acts 20:7). Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly
appointment as binding (Hebrews 10:25-26). In many instances, as in the case of
illness, the Lord's supper is carried to those who are hindered from attending
the worship.
What
kind of music is used in the worship?
As a
result of the distinctive plea of the church - a return to New Testament Faith
and practice - acappella singing is the only music used in the worship. This
singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments of music, conforms to the
music used in the apostolic church and for several centuries thereafter
(Ephesians 5:19). It is felt that there is no authority for engaging in acts of
worship not found in the New Testament. This principle eliminates the use of
instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense, and other similar
elements.
Does
the church of Christ believe in heaven and hell?
Yes. After
death each man must come before God in judgment and that he will be judged
according to the deeds done while he lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgment is
pronounced those who are not found in Christ will be cast into the lake of fire
which is the second death (Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 10:28), and the
redeemed in Christ will inherit eternal life (Matthew 25:46; 1 John 5:13-14;
John 3:16).
Does
the church of Christ believe in purgatory?
No. The
absence of any reference in the scriptures to the temporary place of punishment
from which the soul will eventually be released into heaven prevents the
acceptance of the doctrine of purgatory.
By
what means does the church secure financial support?
Each first
day of the week the members of the church "lay by in store as they have been
prospered"
(1 Corinthians 16:2). The amount of any individual gift is
generally known only to the one who gave it and to the Lord. This free-will
offering is the only call which the church makes. NO assessments or other
levies are made. No money-making activities, such as bazaars or suppers, are
engaged in.
Does
the church of Christ have a creed?
No. At
least, there is no creed in the usual sense of the word. The belief of the
church is stated fully and completely in the Bible. There is no other manual or
discipline to which the members of the church of Christ give their allegiance.
The Bible is considered as the only infallible guide to
heaven.
How
does one become a member of the church of Christ?
In the
salvation of man's soul there are 2 necessary parts: God's part and man's part.
God's part is the big part, "For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH,
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift if God; not of works, that no man
should glory" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to
send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the
sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute
God's part in salvation.
Though
God's part is the big part, man's part is also necessary if man is to reach
heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has
announced. Man's part can clearly set forth in the following steps:
·Hear the Gospel. "How
shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe
him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
(Romans 10:14).
·Believe. "And without faith it is
impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe
that he is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seek after Him" (Hebrews
11:6).
·Repent of Past Sins. "The times of
ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now He commands men that they should
all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).
·Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here
is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou
believeth with all thy heart you may. And he answered and said, I believe that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).
·Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins.
"And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in
the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
·Live a Faithful Christian life. "You
are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own
possession, that you may show forth the praises of him who called you out of
darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
OPEN
INVITATION
Now that
you are aware of a church in the 21st century which is built according to the
blue prints of Christ's original church, why not become a member of it? In
becoming a member of it, you will be called upon to do nothing which you cannot
read in the New Testament. You will then live and worship just as the
apostle-guided Christians of the first century did.
Not only
is this return to New Testament Christianity a wonderful basis upon which all
believers in Christ can unite, it is absolutely solid ground. If we do just
what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain. Come with us as
we go back to the Bible, back to Christ and his
church!
By Emory Jones, Deacon
What is the distinctive plea of the church of Christ?
Historical background of the Restoration Movement
How many churches of Christ are there?
How are the churches organizationally connected?
How are the churches of Christ governed?
What does the church of Christ believe about the Bible?
Do members of the church of Christ believe in virgin birth?
Does the church of Christ believe in predestination?
Why does the church of Christ baptize only by immersion?
Is infant baptism practiced?
Do ministers of the church hear confession?
Are prayers addressed to the saints?
How often is the Lord's supper eaten?
What kind of music is used in the worship?
Does the church of Christ believe in heaven and hell?
Does the Christian Church believe in purgatory?
By what means does the church secure financial support?
Does the church of Christ have a creed?
How does one become a member of the Christian Church?
What is the distinctive plea of the church of Christ?
It is primarily a plea for religious unity based upon the Bible. In a divided religious world it is believed that the Bible is the only possible common denominator upon which most, if not all, of the God-fearing people of the land can unite. This is an appeal to go back to the Bible. It is a plea to speak where the Bible speak and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that pertain to religion. It further emphasizes that in everything religious there must be a "Thus saith the Lord" for all that is done. The
objective is religious unity of all believers in Christ. The basis is the New Testament. The method is the restoration of New Testament Christianity.
The Historical background of the Restoration Movement
One of the earliest advocates of the return to New Testament Christianity, as a means of achieving unity of all believers in Christ, was James O'Kelly of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. In 1793 he withdrew from the Baltimore conference of his church and called upon others to join him in taking the Bible as the only creed. His influence was largely felt in Virginia and North Carolina where history records that some seven thousand communicants followed his leadership toward a return to primitive New Testament Christianity. In 1802 a similar movement among the Baptists in New England was led by Abner Jones and Elias Smith. They were concerned about "denominational names and creeds" and
decided to wear only the name Christian, taking Bible as their only guide. In
1804, in the western frontier state of Kentucky, Barton W. Stone and several
other Presbyterian preachers took similar action declaring that they would take
the Bible as the "only sure guide to heaven." Thomas Campbell, and his illustrious son, Alexander Campbell, took similar steps in the year 1809 in what is now the state of West Virginia. They contended that nothing should be
bound upon Christians as a matter of doctrine which is not as old as the New
Testament. Although these four movements were completely independent in their
beginnings eventually they became one strong restoration movement because of
their common purpose and plea. These men did not advocate the starting of a new
church, but rather a return to Christ's church as described in the
Bible.
Members of
the church of Christ do not conceive of themselves as a new church started near
the beginning of the 19th century. Rather, the whole movement is designed to
reproduce in contemporary times the church originally established on Pentecost,
A.D. 30. The strength of the appeal lies in the restoration of Christ's
original church.
How
many churches of Christ are there?
The most
recent dependable estimate lists more than 42,000 congregations worldwide with
over
5 million members. Membership of the church is heaviest in the
southern states of the United States, particularly Tennessee and Texas, though
congregations exist in each of the fifty states and in over 100 foreign
countries. Missionary expansion has been most extensive since the second World
War in Europe, Asia and Africa. The churches of Christ now have five times as
many members as were reported in the U.S. Religious Census of
1936.
How
are the churches organizationally connected?
Following
the plan of organization found in the New Testament, churches of Christ are
autonomous. Their common faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are
the chief ties which bind them together. There is no central headquarters of
the church, and no organization superior to the elders of each local
congregation. Congregations do cooperate voluntarily in supporting the orphans
and the aged, in preaching the gospel in new fields, and in other similar
works.
There are
no conventions, annual meetings, or official publications. The "tie that binds"
is a common loyalty to the principles of the restoration of New Testament
Christianity.
How
are the churches of Christ governed?
In each
congregation, which has existed long enough to become fully organized, there is
a plurality of elders or presbyters who serve as the governing body. These men
are selected by the local congregations on the basis of qualifications set down
in the scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8). Serving under the elders are deacons,
teachers, and evangelists or ministers. The latter do not have the authority
equal to or superior to the elders. The elders are shepherds or overseers who
serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament, which is a
kind of constitution. There is no earthly authority superior to the elders of
the local church.
What
does the church of Christ believe about the Bible?
The
original autographs of the sixty six books which make up the Bible are
considered to have been divinely inspired, by which it is meant that they are
infallible and authoritative. Reference to the scriptures is made in settling
every religious question. A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the
final word. The basic textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is
the Bible.
Do
members of the churches of Christ believe in the virgin
birth?
Yes. The
statement in Isaiah 7:14 is taken as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ.
New Testament passages such as Matthew 1:20, 25, are accepted at face value as
declarations of the virgin birth. Christ is accepted as the only begotten Son
of God, uniting in his person perfect divinity and perfect
manhood.
Does
the church of Christ believe in predestination?
Only in
the sense that God predestines the righteous to be eternally saved and the
unrighteous to be eternally lost. The statement of the apostle Peter, "Of a
truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he
that fears Him and works righteousness is acceptable unto him" (Acts 10:34-35.)
is taken as an evidence that God did not predestine individuals to be eternally
saved or lost, but that each man determines his own destiny. The Gospel message
is for ALL: "For God is not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth"
(1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Why
does the church of Christ baptize only by immersion?
The word
baptize comes from the Greek word "baptizo" and literally means, "to dip, to
immerse, to plunge." In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion
is practiced because it was the practice of the church in apostolic times.
Still further, only immersion conforms to the description of baptisms as given
by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 where he speaks of it as a burial and
resurrection.
Is
infant baptism practiced?
No. Only
those who have reached the "age of accountability" are accepted for baptisms.
It is pointed out that the examples given in the New Testament are always of
those who have heard the gospel preached and have believed it. Faith must
always precede baptism, so only those old enough to understand and believe the
gospel are considered fit subjects for baptism.
Do
ministers of the church hear confession?
No.
Ministers or evangelists of the church have no special prerogatives. They do
not wear the title of Reverend or Father, but are addressed simply by the term
Brother as are all other men of the church. Along with elders and others they
do counsel and advise those seeking help.
Are
prayers addressed to the saints?
No. God
the Father is considered the only one to whom the prayers may be addressed. It
is further understood that Christ stands in a mediatorial position between God
and man (Hebrews 7:25). All prayers are therefore offered through Christ, or in
the name of Christ (John 16:23-26).
How often is the Lord's supper eaten?
It is
expected that every member of the church will assemble for worship on each
Lord's day. A central part of the worship is the eating of the Lord's supper
(Acts 20:7). Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly
appointment as binding (Hebrews 10:25-26). In many instances, as in the case of
illness, the Lord's supper is carried to those who are hindered from attending
the worship.
What
kind of music is used in the worship?
As a
result of the distinctive plea of the church - a return to New Testament Faith
and practice - acappella singing is the only music used in the worship. This
singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments of music, conforms to the
music used in the apostolic church and for several centuries thereafter
(Ephesians 5:19). It is felt that there is no authority for engaging in acts of
worship not found in the New Testament. This principle eliminates the use of
instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense, and other similar
elements.
Does
the church of Christ believe in heaven and hell?
Yes. After
death each man must come before God in judgment and that he will be judged
according to the deeds done while he lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgment is
pronounced those who are not found in Christ will be cast into the lake of fire
which is the second death (Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 10:28), and the
redeemed in Christ will inherit eternal life (Matthew 25:46; 1 John 5:13-14;
John 3:16).
Does
the church of Christ believe in purgatory?
No. The
absence of any reference in the scriptures to the temporary place of punishment
from which the soul will eventually be released into heaven prevents the
acceptance of the doctrine of purgatory.
By
what means does the church secure financial support?
Each first
day of the week the members of the church "lay by in store as they have been
prospered"
(1 Corinthians 16:2). The amount of any individual gift is
generally known only to the one who gave it and to the Lord. This free-will
offering is the only call which the church makes. NO assessments or other
levies are made. No money-making activities, such as bazaars or suppers, are
engaged in.
Does
the church of Christ have a creed?
No. At
least, there is no creed in the usual sense of the word. The belief of the
church is stated fully and completely in the Bible. There is no other manual or
discipline to which the members of the church of Christ give their allegiance.
The Bible is considered as the only infallible guide to
heaven.
How
does one become a member of the church of Christ?
In the
salvation of man's soul there are 2 necessary parts: God's part and man's part.
God's part is the big part, "For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH,
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift if God; not of works, that no man
should glory" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to
send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the
sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute
God's part in salvation.
Though
God's part is the big part, man's part is also necessary if man is to reach
heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has
announced. Man's part can clearly set forth in the following steps:
·Hear the Gospel. "How
shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe
him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
(Romans 10:14).
·Believe. "And without faith it is
impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe
that he is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seek after Him" (Hebrews
11:6).
·Repent of Past Sins. "The times of
ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now He commands men that they should
all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).
·Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here
is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou
believeth with all thy heart you may. And he answered and said, I believe that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).
·Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins.
"And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in
the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
·Live a Faithful Christian life. "You
are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own
possession, that you may show forth the praises of him who called you out of
darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
OPEN
INVITATION
Now that
you are aware of a church in the 21st century which is built according to the
blue prints of Christ's original church, why not become a member of it? In
becoming a member of it, you will be called upon to do nothing which you cannot
read in the New Testament. You will then live and worship just as the
apostle-guided Christians of the first century did.
Not only
is this return to New Testament Christianity a wonderful basis upon which all
believers in Christ can unite, it is absolutely solid ground. If we do just
what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain. Come with us as
we go back to the Bible, back to Christ and his
church!