Is The Church Of Christ The Only Church Heaven Bound?

How often have you heard that the churches of Christ thinks its the only religion that is going to heaven? So the question is: Is the church of Christ the only church heaven bound? Mt 16:18 Are their members the only citizens in heaven which currently dwell here on earth? Philip 3:20 That’s a fair question that begs a serious and truthful answer.

Denominational Doctrine

Most Baptist will say salvation requires FAITH only. The churches of Christ has FAITH. The Catholics require BAPTISM for salvation. All churches of Christ members have been BAPTIZED. Most denominations SING, PREACH and PRAY in their worship. So do the churches of Christ. Most denominations have midweek BIBLE STUDY. So do the churches of Christ. It’s more than apparent that according to most denominational doctrine that they agree that the churches of Christ are going to heaven.

Gospel and Doctrine of Christ

It is true to say that Jesus only built one church and hell can’t prevail against it. Mt 16:18 Jesus is the head of this one church and which is the pillar and ground of the truth. Col 1:18 f; 1 Tim 3:15 This one church bears his name and contains his gospel and doctrine. Rom 16:16 ff; Acts 4:12; Gal 1:6-9; 2 Jn 9 Any church here on earth which have these qualities is the only church which will be going to heaven at the day of judgment.

The name of the church is properly defined by the beloved apostle Paul in his letters to the Corinth and Ephesus church (Col 1:18 f; Eph 1:22,23). Paul declares that Jesus is the head of the “body” of Christ (Eph 5:23). The word “Body” is properly defined twice by scripture as the “Church”. Therefore, if Christ be the head of the “body” of Christ, then he is the head of the “church” of Christ.  In other verses throughout the new testament other names were presented as acceptable. Among these are: “church of God” (I Cor 1:2), “church of the first born (Heb 12:23), “kingdom of God” (Acts 8:12). In all of these, the names are in reference to Jesus Christ who purchased the church with his own blood (Acts 20:28). There are several churches of Christ who are not the Lord’s church, but only bear a resemblance in name only. The name of the church is not the only thing imperative, it is what they practice for doctrine that matters most.

Paul said, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” (1 Cor 12:13). Speaking of those baptized believers Paul continued by saying, “ Now you are the body (church) of Christ, and members individually: (1 Cor 12:27) . The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:1-4) This gospel was preached unto all the world (Mt 28:19,20 f; Mk 16:15,16) To obey the gospel of Christ one must HEAR IT, BELIEVE IT, CONFESS IT, REPENT of their SINS and be BAPTIZED into Christ, and remain FAITHFUL unto DEATH in order to be saved. (Rom 10:17 ff; Rom 10:10, Acts 2:38; Gal 3:27; Rev 2:10) So do the churches of Christ.

The doctrine of Christ says one has to worship on SUNDAY to partake of the LORD’S SUPPER, to GIVE of their means, and to hear the Word by the means of PREACHING. (Acts 20:7 f; 1 Cor 16:1,2) So do the churches of Christ. The doctrine of Christ says one has to SING and MAKE MUSIC IN THE HEART to the Lord. (Eph 5:19) So do the churches of Christ. The doctrine of Christ says one must SING and PRAY with the Spirit and understanding. (1 Cor 14:15) So do the churches of Christ. The doctrine of Christ says one must STUDY God’s Word in order PROVE, DEFEND, and CONTEND for the Faith and thus be approved of God. (2 Tim 2:15 ff; 1 Thess 5:21; Philip 1:15-18; Jude 3; Heb 5:12-14) So do the churches of Christ.

Conclusion: Most denominational doctrines say the churches of Christ are heaven bound. The gospel and doctrine contained within the scriptures say the churches of Christ are heaven bound. However, the gospel and doctrine of Christ says that all denominations are lost. Their names are mostly wrong and their gospel and doctrines are totally flawed. Most sing with music where the bible commands none. Most have women preachers and leaders, when the bible have none. Most tithe, when the bible commands to give freely. 2 Cor 9:6,7 Most take the Lord’s supper periodically when the bible teaches each first day of the week. Acts 20:7 And the list goes on and on.  So, to answer the question once and for all, the churches of Christ doesn’t say that they are the only ones going to heaven, but God’s Word surely does. This doesn’t mean that every member of the churches of Christ is going to heaven, but it does mean that anyone who is not a member of the churches of Christ is definitely lost.