This movement departs from historic Trinitarian Christianity on who God is and who Jesus Christ is. We describe it from its own sources, with respect for its members, while stating our disagreement plainly.
Where It Came From
John Thomas (1805 to 1871), an English physician who emigrated to the United States, was baptized among the followers of Alexander Campbell in 1832, later broke with their teaching, and was rebaptized in 1847 after reaching new convictions about the kingdom of God. His followers adopted the name Christadelphian during the American Civil War when registering as conscientious objectors. Robert Roberts of Birmingham, England, organized the community after Thomas's death.
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In Their Own Words
This profile describes the tradition from its own official documents and standard teaching:
- The Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith
- Robert Roberts, Christendom Astray
- John Thomas, Elpis Israel
- Robert Roberts, The Bible Companion (daily reading plan)
Sharing the Gospel with a Christadelphian
Christadelphians read the Bible every day, study prophecy closely, and long for Christ's kingdom on earth. They will often know Scripture well, so come prepared and stay in the text. They teach that Jesus did not exist before His birth and is not God, that the Holy Spirit is God's power, and that Christ's death was a representative sacrifice rather than a payment in our place.
They also teach that immortality is given only at Christ's judgment seat, so most have no assurance now. The community is small and close-knit, and leaving it is costly. Be patient, be a friend, and keep pointing to who Jesus is and what He did for sinners.
Where to begin
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God, and it should be read every day.
- Baptism is for believers, by immersion.
- Christ will return literally to set up God's kingdom on earth, and God has a future for Israel.
- Jesus is the sinless Son of God, who died and rose again.
Questions to ask
- What glory did Jesus have with the Father before the world was?
Read John 17:5. Jesus asked to be glorified with the glory He had with the Father before the world was. Only someone who existed before the world could say that.
- Did Christ die in your place, bearing your sins?
Read Isaiah 53:5–6 and 1 Peter 2:24. He was wounded for our transgressions, and He bore our sins in His own body on the tree.
- Can you know now that you have eternal life?
Read 1 John 5:11–13. God has given us eternal life in His Son, and John wrote so that believers may know it.
- When Thomas called Jesus “My Lord and my God,” why didn't Jesus correct him?
Read John 20:28–29. Jesus accepted the confession and blessed those who would believe it.
Where Scripture challenges their thinking
In the beginning was the Word, and all things were made by Him (John 1:1–3). Jesus said, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58), and He was in the form of God before He took the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6–7).
The Father says to the Son, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever (Hebrews 1:8). Paul calls Him the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).
Christ suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). God made Him to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The one who believes hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation (John 5:24). Christ gives His sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish (John 10:28).
What to avoid
- Do not underestimate their Bible knowledge. Prepare, and read each passage in its context.
- Do not appeal to creeds or church councils. Christadelphians reject them; Scripture is the common ground.
- Do not mock or argue for the sake of winning. Keep coming back to who Jesus is and what He did.
- Do not expect quick results. Leaving a close community is hard. Offer a friendship that lasts.
Pointing them to Christ
Point your friend to the eternal Son of God, who took on flesh, died in their place, and rose again. Eternal life is not a hope to be settled at the judgment seat, but a gift given now to all who believe (1 John 5:11–12). Invite them to trust Him alone.
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”1 PETER 3:18 · KJV