2007-12-27 13:42:22 · 7 answers · asked by robert t 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Many people seem to have turned the "churches of Christ" into an informal denomination instead of the independent non-denominational churches that made up the fellowship in the beginning. These "denominational" members of churches of Christ are largely as you say "works oriented."
The TRUE New Testament church, which the churches of Christ are, by and large, attempting to restore, does not have such a belief, BUT those who believe that the NT church HAS BEEN RESTORED, and THEY ARE IT, do tend to be rather works oriented. Those who recognize that the restoration is an ongoing process, and, that as we come to better understand the scriptures and the history of the church, we are able to grow closer to that goal recognize correctly according to scripture that no one CAN be justified by their own works.
So, the answer to your question is no, but there are some, primarily in fringes of the fellowship, for whom your statement is seemingly true.
2007-12-27 14:46:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Robert,
According to the Bible, "Works" is only a part of our salvation. The Church of Christ follows only the BIBLE and I study it as frequently as I possibly can. I attend a small Non-Denominational Church of Christ and assist as I am needed and able there. (I also am disabled and unable to do everything that I used to do. I have been running low blood sugars for the last several years many, many times each and every day. The Body has decided to produce and pump in extra insulin infrequently and it is very difficult to keep within a normal level.) I believe the scriptural reference that you are referring to is found in James 2. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks,
Eds
.
2007-12-27 13:51:48 · answer #2 · answered by Eds 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The churches of Christ teach all are saved by faith through grace. We go to Hebrews 11 and find that faith is more than mere belief, but includes actions because every one saved by faith in Hebrews 11 were saved by works of faith and not mere belief.
We also believe we must change (repent) from our old life of sin to the way of faith through God's grace. (Acts 2:38)
We believe we must confess the son-ship of God for Jesus before men. (Romans 10:9)
We believe we are baptized into Jesus to put Him on. (Romans 6:1 ff)
We must remain steadfast in Him. (Galatians 1:21-23)
These are no more works than if a car dealership said they would give you a new car IF you would come into the dealership and sign the paperwork to transfer the car into your name. -- If you do not go into the dealership and sign the paperwork, the car is not yours. The signing of paperwork is not a work you must do, but a simple requirement for the transfer of title. The same is true for the transfer of title to your life. These things are NOT works, but simply fulfilling requirement for the receipt of the free gift.
2007-12-27 14:04:14 · answer #3 · answered by mesquiteskeetr 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nobody on the face of the earth, regardless of denominaton, is saved by works, regardless of whether they believe that they are or not. Works are the product of salvation; not the means by which men and women are saved.
2007-12-27 13:51:57 · answer #4 · answered by ChildOfGod_1982 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think so. I know a lot of Church of Christ people and they're not all like that.
2007-12-27 13:49:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, It has nothing to do w/ the church you go to.
2007-12-27 13:48:44 · answer #6 · answered by me 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, but they feel they are.
2007-12-27 13:45:40 · answer #7 · answered by paula r 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋