The Church of Christ emphasizes a simple yet profound plan of salvation, rooted directly in the Bible. It's a plan based on grace, initiated by God, and received through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. This isn't a rigid formula, but a living relationship with God, built on love and understanding. This guide will explore the key components of this plan, addressing common questions and misconceptions.
What is the Gospel According to the Churches of Christ?
At its core, the gospel message in Churches of Christ centers on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's about God's love for humanity, demonstrated through the sacrifice of his son to atone for our sins. This act of grace provides the pathway to reconciliation with God and eternal life. Churches of Christ believe this message is found consistently throughout the New Testament, and they strive to adhere closely to the practices and teachings of the early church as described in scripture.
What are the Steps to Salvation in the Church of Christ?
The Churches of Christ typically outline the plan of salvation in these key steps:
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Hear the Gospel: This involves understanding the good news of Jesus Christ—his life, death, and resurrection—and its significance for your life. This understanding comes through studying the Bible and hearing it preached accurately.
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Believe in Jesus Christ: This is a heartfelt acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world. It's not merely intellectual assent, but a transformative belief that changes your life.
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Repent of Sins: Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning towards God. It's a genuine sorrow for wrongdoing and a commitment to live a life pleasing to God. This is a lifelong process, not a single event.
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Confess Jesus as Lord: This public declaration of faith acknowledges Jesus as the supreme authority in your life. It's a commitment to follow his teachings and example.
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Be Baptized: Churches of Christ view baptism by immersion as an essential act of obedience following conversion. It symbolizes the death to the old self and the rising to new life in Christ. It is not merely a ritual, but an outward expression of an inward change.
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Live a Life of Obedience: Salvation is not a one-time event, but a continuous journey of faith. This involves striving to live according to God's will as revealed in the Bible, including regular prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and participation in church worship.
What Does it Mean to be Saved?
Being saved, in the Church of Christ understanding, means being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. It means receiving forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. It is a relationship with God, characterized by love, obedience, and a desire to live a life that honors Him. This salvation is a gift from God, freely given, but it requires a response from the individual.
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
The Church of Christ teaches that baptism is a commanded act of obedience, necessary for salvation (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4). They understand baptism as an outward expression of inward faith, a symbolic representation of dying to self and rising to new life in Christ. It’s not a work that earns salvation, but rather a necessary step of obedience in response to God’s grace.
What About Good Works?
While good works don't earn salvation, they are the natural outflow of a transformed life. Churches of Christ believe that genuine faith will inevitably lead to good works (James 2:26). These are not performed to merit salvation but are evidence of a changed heart. It is a life dedicated to serving God and others.
Conclusion: A Journey of Faith
The plan of salvation in Churches of Christ isn't a static formula, but a dynamic journey of faith. It begins with hearing and believing the gospel, followed by repentance, confession, baptism, and a life of ongoing obedience. It's a relationship built on grace, faith, and love, leading to a life transformed and a future with God. This understanding is deeply rooted in the scriptures and forms the cornerstone of their faith and practice.
