Does the Church of Christ really believe they are the only Christians and that everyone else is going to Hell?

Question

Does any one else find them very narrow minded, legalistic and discouraging to be around?

Answer 1

Unfortunately many of them do believe just that. In the past they have as a group been extremely legalistic and devoid of anything about the spiritual side of worship.

Today many members of the Church of Christ are trying hard to run from their legalistic past but it is never far below the surface although they are not as strident as they once were. But in general yes they do think they are the only ones

Answer 2

I am confused... are you speaking about the group of churches that go by the name The Church of Christ? Or are you speaking about Christians? If you are speaking about the group of churches - I found that they may in fact be or close to being a cult: (according to the following acronym)
C. Claim to be The Only True Christians
U. Unorthodox Extra-biblical Revelation
L. Lying Leaders (History/Doctrine)
T. THE Way (Salvation is found only in their organization)
S. Salvation By Works (obedience to ordinances such as baptism)

As you can see the only area that the Church of Christ denomination doesn't qualify for the title is that they don't have any unorthodox extra-biblical revelation that they would put on par with God's Word. But, they do:

1. Claim to be the Only True Christians
2. Lie about their history, by claiming that they can trace their roots to the day of Pentecost in the second chapter of Acts. They also mislead people about some of their doctrines, by not telling prospective members what they really believe up front (Billy Graham is not a true Christian?).
3. They are the one and only true "Body of Christ." No one goes to the Father outside of their denomination!
4. Their salvation occurs the moment they "DO" their part and get baptized. And you must recognize that it is the baptism that remits your sins, or it is of no effect!

The author of the website also said the following:
The Gospel: Faith = Salvation + Works
The Gospel is Not: Salvation = Faith + Works

If you are speaking about Christians as a whole:
I am sorry that you have come across someone who calls themself a Christian but is discouraging, legalistic and narrow minded. Hmmm... the narrow minded I can maybe see someone calling me that because I do believe what I believe... but I could call someone who only believes in evolution narrow minded if they weren't open to my view point either...
Christians should never be discouraging - because the Joy of the Lord is Your Strength!
And for anyone who is a true follower of Christ - they are right there with you on the legalistic point of view - I hate it myself!!! Just want to tell them - Lighten UP !!!

I do hope and pray that you have others cross your path that are better repensentations of Jesus....
and remember - just because someone goes to church - that doesn't make them a Christian - just as if you lived in a garage - it wouldn't make you a car !!!


AH - I just reread your question and I see that you are talking about the group of churches... hopefully the website that I listed will help you ...

Answer 3

I have heard this along with the fact that there are an estimated 200 religious orders or religions that feel the same way. At least 199 have to be wrong in that way of thinking. It is my personel belief that there is a fragment woven amongst all of the people on Earth and it really has to do with where they are with God and not the name on the front of their Church. It is the Holy Spirits business and you will reconize them when you meet them because they are operating within the Spirit of God and that cannot be denied.
Rev. M

Answer 4

That's my understanding about the Church of Christ teachings, but how does it differ from Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Nitwits or for that matter, Islam . . . Muslims believe all Christians are lost.

I'm sure Jim Jones had all those folks in Guyana convinced that they were the only ones in the world who would be saved too.

I heard that when they discovered all those bodies in Guyana, they didn't find a single Bible in the whole compound. I found that interesting.

Answer 5

I am sure that there are people like that in all churches. That is a spirit of religion. And your right this type of person can be discouraging to be around.

Please remember that our battle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalites of darkness.
Eph 6:12-13
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
NIV

Answer 6

Christianity is the only faith that announces Jesus is God in human flesh. Jesus became into placed to dying with the aid of fact he reported he became into God and the only way. If Jesus became into superb, all different religions are incorrect. Jesus instructed the Roman and Jewish leaders that in the event that they placed him to dying, he could bodily upward thrust from the lifeless on the 0.33 day. The Roman military became into guarding the tomb to verify no person bumped off the physique. yet on the 0.33 day, the tomb open and Jesus became into not there. Jesus became into seen by making use of over 500 human beings after his resurrection. So Jesus proved he's God and the only way. every physique has sinned and merits hell. So no you may desire to whinge if no person went to heaven; they could merely be receiving the justice that they deserve.

Answer 7

Yes, I have family in that denomination and that is what they believe. My mother was raised that way. Some feared that my mother was losing her salvation when she married my father and became Baptist. A few of my cousins are or were ministers in that denomination. They are actually good people and it's fine being around them, but I could not attend their church or adhere to that theology. It somehow robs them of a joy I think. They have the affect of being burdened, in a quiet way.

Answer 8

They are not the only denomination with this belief. Why do you think different churches don't cooperate with each other except in times of emergency?

Church 1: "You're going to hell!"
Church 2: "No, you're going to hell!"

They just try to keep it out of the press.

Answer 9

Yes, they do erroneously believe that they are the only ones, but they are not the only ones who believe that, the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses believe it as well. It is legalistic and discouraging for former believers.

Answer 10

Most religions believe and preach that their way is the "only way". Born-Again Christians believe you will go to Hell if you don't accept Jesus Christ as your saviour, which presumably means that Ghandi is in Hell.