A Protestant tradition that confesses the Trinity and the deity of Christ. Many of its members believe the Gospel, and we receive them as brethren in Christ. But on baptism, church order, and other parts of the whole counsel of God its teaching departs from Scripture, and that affects whether we can serve together in church practice.
Where It Came From
In early nineteenth-century America, Barton W. Stone and Thomas and Alexander Campbell called Christians to abandon creeds and unite on the Bible alone. Their movements joined in 1832. Disagreements over instrumental music and missionary societies led to the recognition of the Churches of Christ as a body separate from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by 1906.
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In Their Own Words
This profile describes the tradition from its own official documents and standard teaching:
- No official creed or central body; congregations are autonomous
- Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery (1804)
- Thomas Campbell, Declaration and Address (1809)
- Alexander Campbell, The Christian System
Sharing the Gospel with a Church of Christ Member
Members of the Churches of Christ love the Bible, reject man-made creeds, and baptize believers by immersion. But Churches of Christ teach that sins are forgiven at the moment of baptism, and that a Christian can fall away. Anyone who is trusting baptism or obedience to be saved is not trusting Christ alone, and is not saved, however sincere, so do not treat such a person as a brother in Christ. Churches of Christ vary, as every body does. Some members trust Christ alone in spite of what they were taught, but the hardline congregations that teach baptism saves and that everyone outside their fellowship is under God's wrath function as a cult.
They respect book, chapter, and verse, so stay in the Bible and read passages in context. Some congregations regard only those immersed for the remission of sins as Christians, so your friend may question your own salvation. Answer kindly from Scripture.
Where to begin
- The Bible stands above every creed.
- Baptism is for believers, by immersion, and infants should not be baptized.
- Each local church governs itself, and the Lord's Supper is a memorial.
- Christ died for our sins and rose again.
Questions to ask
- When were your sins forgiven?
Most will say, “When I was baptized.” Read Acts 10:43–47 together. Peter preached that whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins, and Cornelius's household received the Holy Spirit before they were baptized.
- If someone believed in Christ and died on the way to be baptized, would they be lost?
The thief on the cross was promised paradise without baptism (Luke 23:43). The question helps a friend see that Christ saves the one who believes.
- Do you know you would be saved if you died today, or does it depend on how faithful you have been?
Teaching that a Christian can fall away leaves many unsure. Show them that Christ's sheep shall never perish (John 10:28–29) and that believers can know they have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
- Is your confidence in what Christ did, or in having followed the steps correctly?
This is the heart of the matter. Read Titus 3:5 together.
Where Scripture challenges their thinking
Paul told the jailer, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:30–31). Through Christ, all that believe are justified from all things (Acts 13:39). Baptism followed in both cases, but salvation came through faith.
Peter called his hearers to repent and be baptized, and in his next sermon he promised forgiveness to those who repent and are converted, with no mention of baptism (Acts 3:19). Baptism is commanded of everyone who repents, but it is not the moment of forgiveness.
Peter says baptism saves not by washing away the filth of the flesh, but as the answer of a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21). It is a figure: a believer's response to salvation already received. Paul could even say that Christ sent him not to baptize, but to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:17).
Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Those who believe are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (1 Peter 1:5).
What to avoid
- Do not belittle baptism. Your friend is right that Christ commanded it. Agree with that before you talk about when forgiveness happens.
- Do not fire verses back and forth. Read each passage in its context.
- Do not assume your friend is a brother in Christ because they know the Bible well, and do not assume they are lost. Ask what they are trusting: Christ alone, or Christ plus baptism and obedience.
- Do not get defensive if your friend questions your baptism. Answer gently from Scripture.
Pointing them to Christ
If your friend is resting on their baptism or their faithfulness, invite them to trust Christ alone, who died for their sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Baptism is still a joyful act of obedience, but it is the believer's answer to salvation, not the price of it.
If they already trust Christ alone, encourage them in the assurance God gives His children (1 John 5:13).
“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”ACTS 10:43 · KJV