In some material handed to me recently the church of Christ is referred to as a "…most deceptive and dangerous cult." The author of the accusation suggests two points as evidence for this accusation. The first is the church of Christ's belief in "baptismal regeneration," and the second is "the idea that they are the one, true and restored church of Jesus Christ…" In answer to the accusation that the church of Christ is a "cult" please consider the following:

The word "cult" is most often used to cast a particular religious group in a negative light. It is similar in usage today to the word "sect." When you look up the word "cult" on the internet with a search engine you will find Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic churches, and the church of Christ accused of being cults. I don't believe any of these churches are cults. I simply give this as an example of how the word "cult" is so loosely used today as a way of trying to scare people away from a particular church.

Another preacher recently accused the church of Christ of being a cult, in hopes of scaring people away from it. On CNN's Nancy Grace television program a Baptist preacher said, "It kind of is a borderline cult, unfortunately. I don't want to make it to be some kind of Hare Krishna group, but it has cult-like characteristics…" This particular Baptist preacher cited the following as evidence that the church of Christ is a cult. "Well, in the sense of the exclusivism, the attitude that they are the only ones who know the truth. The tactics that they use are sometimes just — not only un-biblical but unethical, and they can be very ungracious, unfortunately." I suppose if "exclusivism" were to be the key characteristic denoting a cult, then Jesus Christ would have to be considered a cult leader (Matthew 7:13, 14; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

While the word "cult" is so loosely used today I think it is quite clear that there are some religious groups that have clearly fit this word. The International Churches of Christ, along with churches from the past such as Jim Jones church in Guiyana, and David Koresh's church in Waco, Texas are obvious examples.

There are two significant reasons why the church of Christ should not be considered a cult. The first is that the church of Christ does not fit accepted definitions of a cult. The second is that the church of Christ does not fit listed and published characteristics of cults. In his book, Understanding the Cults, Josh McDowell says, "A cult is a perversion, a distortion of biblical Christianity and/or a rejection of the historic teachings of the Christian church (page 17)." Based on this definition alone we could say that the church of Christ is the least cult-like of any church in the world. The church of Christ follows the pattern of New Testament Christianity set forth in the Scriptures (Romans 6:17; 2 Timothy 1:13). It is the kingdom which grows from the seed, and the seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11). Furthermore the church of Christ does not appeal to any man made document for its authority in religious practice, but rather uses the Bible as its only guide and standard (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

The church of Christ follows the historic teachings of Christ and His New Testament in worship (John 4:24), in organization (Ephesians 4:11), in teaching (1 Peter 4:11), and in living (Matthew 4:4). Therefore, if we go by Josh McDowell's definition of a cult we must honestly admit the church of Christ is not a cult.

In his book, Understanding the Cults, Josh McDowell also gives us a list of characteristics of a cult. Those are given below with some information briefly explaining what the church of Christ believes with regard to those matters.

1. New Truth: God has revealed something special to them.

The church of Christ teaches all truth has been revealed (Rev. 22:18, 19), no other gospel is to be accepted (Galatians 1:6-9), and God speaks to man through the written word (2 Timothy 3;16 ,17).

2. New Interpretation: Some cults believe they alone have the key to understanding.

We believe the Bible can be understood by those who read it if they will apply common sense reasoning to their study (Ephesians 3:4; Acts 17:1- 4). We do not look for some new interpretation.

3. Non-Biblical Source of Authority

We believe the Word of God alone is to be our authority (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). It alone can save (Romans 1:16). It is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). This characteristic would categorize most denominations as cults, and leave the church of Christ as one of the few, if not the only one which is not a cult.

4. Another Jesus: Sometimes the cult leader.

Jesus is not going to return to establish a new religion. When He does return it will be obvious (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), will mark the end of time (2 Peter 3:10-13), and will bring judgment (Acts 17:31).

5. Double Talk: Say one thing publicly but believe something different internally.

This is called lying (Rev. 21:8). What we teach is what we believe. Further, we encourage people to determine the meaning of words by looking at their context (i.e. the Biblical context).

6. Denial of the Godhead.

We do not deny the Godhead. In fact we believe there is more than One Being who possesses the nature of divinity or godhood (Genesis 1:26). They are three in one (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:18).

7. Changing Theology: No sure foundation for doctrine.

The Word of God is truth (John 17:17). The truth will set you free (John 8:32). We accept nothing but the unchanging Word of God as revealed in the Scriptures. There is no more solid foundation than this for religious doctrine and practice (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Matthew 7:24-27).

8. Central Charismatic Leader.

The church of Christ has no earthly headquarters and no single human leader. Christ is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18). He rules over the church by His authority as expressed in the revealed and written word of God (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 14:37).

9. False Prophecy

The church of Christ teaches that the gift of prophecy is no longer given to man (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). Therefore we do not have any prophets to give false prophecy. The Bible teaches that false prophets are condemned (Deuteronomy 18:21, 22).

10. Salvation by works.

The church of Christ does not believe anyone can be saved based on the merits of their works (Ephesians 2:8, 9). One is saved by grace through faith. However, this does not mean that a person is exempt from following the law of God. One must have an obedient faith to please God (James 2:14-26). Note the importance of good works in Ephesians 2:10.

The church of Christ has been the target of many untrue attacks and accusations. However, we must always remember that just because someone says something is true doesn't mean that it is. For this reason preachers in the church of Christ frequently remind Christians to do as did the people of Berea and go to the Scriptures to check them out for themselves (Acts 17:11). We encourage people to ask questions, and think for themselves. It is foolish to believe a doctrine just because another person believes it. We must believe only those doctrines that are taught within the Word of God. Having examined both the definition and the characteristics of cults we must conclude that the church of Christ is in fact the least cult-like of any church in existence.

Members of the church of Christ are often called "Campbellites" by those who seek to belittle the church. This expression is a reference to Alexander Campbell to whom many give credit for having established the church of Christ. Once again, saying something is true, does not necessarily make it true. Alexander Campbell did not establish a new church. He simply encouraged people to go back to the Bible and restore the church that one finds in the New Testament. The plea is simply leave the creeds, doctrines, confession manuals, statements of faith, etc from men behind and use the Bible as your only guide. He established no church, but simply brought people back to the Bible in order that we might have the same church that existed in the first century.

If I use God's Word as my only guide for a church, then that church is the church of the Bible. If a group of people follow the New Testament as its pattern for the church, then that church will be the same as the church in the New Testament. No new church is established. The seed of the kingdom/church is the word of God (Luke 8:11). Wherever that seed is planted, the church that Christ founded will be established.

Those who are members of the body of Christ as found and described in the pages of the New Testament are called Christians (Acts 11:26). They are not referred to as "Campbellites." To refer to Christians as "Campbellites" is a sin. This is another attempt to insult and falsely accuse members of the church of Christ. Calling us "Campbellites" or calling us a "cult," doesn't make it true.

I have no intention of defending any church founded by a man. The only church which one can read of in the pages of the New Testament is the one which Jesus Christ Himself established (Matthew 16:13-19). That church is the one that was established on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Act chapter two.

1. Where was the true New Testament church prior to the 1800's, and where was the truth that it was supposed to be preaching?

a) The true New Testament church was established in the first century (Acts 2). In time it became corrupted by false doctrine as was predicted (Acts 20:28-31; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; etc.). When the church became corrupted and developed into the Roman Catholic Church the true church of Christ still existed. It existed in seed form, and among any group of people who used the Bible as their only guide in practicing simple New Testament Christianity.

Would corn still exist even if only in seed form? The answer is obviously "yes." Would the church exist even if only in seed form? The answer to that question is yes also. The seed of the kingdom or church is the Bible (Luke 8:11). Anyone, in any time period, and in any place can plant that seed and grow the church which Jesus established. The seed of the kingdom is planted by preaching and practicing the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

In addition to the church of Christ always existing in seed form we have evidence that the church of Christ existed before Alexander Campbell ever came to America. For example, the tombstone of William Rogers at the Cane Ridge meetinghouse near Paris, Kentucky tell us he was "united with the church of Christ" in 1807. Alexander Campbell was still a child and living in Ireland at the time. This shows the church of Christ existed in America before Alexander Campbell ever came to America.

Consider also the historical evidence for the church of Christ existing in other places before Alexander Campbell was even born, or the restoration movement of the 1800's even took place. "The Church of Christ meeting in Morrisons Court, Glasgow" was established somewhere between 1772 and 1782. "The Church of Christ assembling in Leith Walk, Edinburgh" was planted around 1798 (The Christian Baptist). Between 1157 and 1166 men and women came from France to establish a church in Oxford, England. They were marked as outlaws. They were noted for being autonomous (self-governing), practicing baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and they viewed themselves as being the true church of Christ and not a denomination.

b) Where was the truth was prior to the 1800's that the church was responsible for? God promised us that His word would endure forever (1 Peter 1:22-25). It has endured through time through the preservation of Old and New Testament manuscripts, which have been compiled into Hebrew and Greek texts. Those Hebrew and Greek texts have become the basis for numerous translations in English and other languages. Translations and versions of the New Testament have existed ever since the Christians began collecting the letters of the inspired writers of the first century. The truth has always been around since God has given it and will continue to be throughout time.

a) I have never heard anyone in the church of Christ teach that one must be baptized by an elder or a preacher. The only ones I have heard say that the church of Christ teaches this, are Baptists. If someone in the church of Christ has taught as much then they are in error. No where in the New Testament does God specify who is to do the baptizing.

b) When one is baptized he is saved by the blood of Christ. The blood of Christ washes our sins away (Revelation 1:5; Colossians 1:14). The blood of Christ is applied at baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16). It is not the physical washing of the flesh in baptism that does the saving (1 Peter 3:21). Therefore, the emphasis in baptism is not upon who does the baptizing but rather it is upon the saving blood of Jesus Christ.

a) The answers to this theoretical scenario are obvious. First of all, a church baptistry is not the only place where one can find enough water to baptize another. There are pools, whirlpools, baths, lakes, rivers, and oceans with enough water in them to immerse someone.

b) Also, we believe in God's ability to provide for man's needs whether spiritual or physical. The Bible certainly teaches that God is so capable (Matthew 6:33). That being the case, God would provide a source of water for any who truly desire to be immersed in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). In addition God can preserve the life of anyone for whom He deems it necessary (2 Kings 20:1-6). God can preserve the life of any sincere seeker of the truth long enough for that person to become baptized. After all, God is not willing that any should perish (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

a) The Bible teaches that a Christian can become lost. In Galatians 5:1-5 Paul refers to some Christians who have "fallen from grace" because they are binding circumcision on Gentile Christians. One cannot fall from where he has not been. One cannot fall from grace unless he has received the grace of God and been saved. Therefore, it is possible for a person to be saved by grace (thus becoming a Christian) then sinning in such a way as to fall from grace.

The apostle Peter clearly taught the same thing in 2 Peter 2:20-22. This passage speaks of those who have "escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." That is Christians. Speaking, then of Christians Peter goes on to tell us that some Christians can become entangled in the world again and find "the latter end is worse for them than the beginning."

b) We might also want to consider the fact that God wants each person to live a life of dedicated service to Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14; Romans 12:1, 2). Those who are raised from the waters of baptism are raised to walk that dedicated life of service to God (Romans 6:1-23). God wants us to make an effort to serve Him and worship Him (John 4:23, 24), and resist the temptations of this life (James 1:2-12). While it is true that a person would be saved if he were to "drown in the baptistry" it is clear God wants him to come out of the baptistery and live a new life of service for Him (Romans 6:4).

c) Also, the line of reasoning suggested in the question would condone infanticide. Little children are born without sin (Ezekiel 18:20). The reasoning set forth in the question might suggest that it might be best to kill them before they grow old enough to become capable of sin. Obviously that would be wrong (Proverbs 6:16, 17). We do not kill little children based on this reason any more than we would kill a new Christian based on the same reasoning. God wants them to live for Him (Romans 12:1, 2).

a) Any sin that one will not confess to God and repent of will cause a Christian to be lost. Simon of Acts chapter eight became a Christian (Acts 8:13). After becoming a Christian he sinned by wanting to buy the power the apostles had to confer miraculous gifts (Acts 8:17-19). Peter told Simon to repent and ask God to forgive him (Acts 8:22).

1 John 1:8-10 is written to Christians. Christians are told that if they claim they have no sin in them they are liars. Then Christians are told to confess their sins to God and He will forgive them. If I have to confess my sin to God in order to be forgiven, it follows that all Christians who do not confess their sins to God are not forgiven.

b) Any sin that a Christian does not repent of can cause him to be lost (Acts 8:22). Sin is a transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4). Whenever I fail to do what God has required of me I have sinned.

c) It is possible to know at what point one has committed such a sin? Yes. If God expects us to confess it to Him, then it is something we know about (1 John 1:9). In addition, God requires Bible study of us (2 Timothy 2:15). The more we study the Bible, the more it becomes a mirror to our souls, and the more we can recognize sin in our own lives (James 1:25). Therefore, we can know if we are lost. By the same token we can know if we are saved also (1 John 5:13).

d) Consider Colossians 3:1-11 as a passage in which some specific sins are identified that could cause a Christian to be lost. Paul is talking to Christians (Colossians 3:1-4). To these Christians he says there are certain sins that must be put to death in our lives (Colossians 3:5-9). To put them to death is the same as saying to repent of them. Christians must give up such things as fornication, covetousness, anger, blasphemy etc.

a) Yes, it is possible for a Christian to be lost, but then to be restored. We spoke of repentance and confession being required when we answered the last question (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). If it were not possible for an erring Christian to be restored why would Christians be encouraged to help fellow Christians to be restored (Galatians 6:1)?

b) God's promises are conditional. For example, God promised the Land of Canaan to the Jews who came out of Egypt, but because of their unbelief they didn't get the land (Hebrews 3, 4). Their offspring did, but they did not. God has promised an eternal inheritance to those who become Christians, but Christians are required to please God in order to receive the promised reward (Revelation 2:10).

c) John said we can know we are saved (1 John 5:13). How do we know? By living according to God's law (1 John 3:4). Using the Scriptures as my standard I will know whether or not I am serving God (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). When I sin and refuse to repent of my sin and confess it to God I know I am lost. When I sin and I do repent and confess, then I know I am saved.

The Bible teaches us that any sin that we will repent of and confess to God can be forgiven (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:10). Matthew 12:31, 32 seems to give one exception. Jesus said, "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." In the context men had attributed the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit working through Christ to the Devil. Because Christ is not here on earth (Acts 1:11) working miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit today it would not be possible to commit this sin today. Notice Jesus said, "all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men…" This means all others can be. Therefore, there is no sin that a Christian can commit and not have hope of salvation by returning to God through repentance and confession of that sin.

a) 1 Peter 1:13 says, "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." We can have hope when Jesus comes again because there will be grace brought to us at that time.

b) Having said that, we must understand that God expects us to live in such a way that shows we are dead to sin (Romans 6). We are to live in such a way that shows it is our habit to resist sin, rather than to give in (1 John 3:4-9). If this is the case, the likelihood of the imagined scenario is diminished.

a) The term "church of Christ" is in fact a Scriptural designation for the church. Romans 16:16 says, "Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you." If it is Scriptural to refer to several congregations of the body of Christ as the "churches of Christ," then it is Scriptural to refer to one congregation of the body of Christ as "church of Christ," and all the congregations together as "the church of Christ."

b) There are many Scriptural ways of referring to the church which Jesus Christ established. Acts 20:28 speaks of "the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." But even this is a reference to Jesus Christ for He is the One member of the Godhead who shed His blood (Hebrews 9:27, 28). Other scriptural designations include, "the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12)," and the "household of God (Ephesians 2:19)." There is nothing wrong with anyone referring to the Lord's church in any of these ways.

a) God has specified a certain instrument to be used in singing (Ephesians 5:19). That instrument is the heart. Because God has specified the instrument He wants, no other is to be used. The difference between hymnals, pitchpipes, pews, indoor baptistries, and pianos is that a piano is an instrument while none of the other items mentioned are. Because God has specified the instrument He wants used, we must not use another instrument such as a piano. If you go into a donut shop and order a chocolate glazed donut, that is exactly what you would expect to receive. If you receive a different type of donut, or the one you ordered plus another you would understand that your order had not been properly carried out. God specifies the heart as the instrument we are to use in singing praises unto Him, and so that is what we must use and no other. This would explain why one cannot find a single instance in the New Testament of Christians singing with the accompaniment of man made mechanical musical instruments, in Christian worship, on this earth.

b) When God gives a command we are authorized to fulfill that command. In this case the command is to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The command also authorizes any such items as are necessary or helpful to the fulfillment of that command, such as a hymnal. However, if one deems a particular item is helpful to the fulfillment of a command of God and that item directly conflicts with what God has specified, then the item is not authorized. An example would be instruments of music. God specified an instrument and that is the heart (Ephesians 5:19).

a) Various Scriptures teach that one must be baptized in order to receive forgiveness of sins. Mark 16:16 shows us that both faith and baptism are required in order to be saved. This passage shows one is just as an important as the other. Acts 2:38 shows us that baptism is just as important as repentance. This verse also says repentance and baptism are "for the remission of sins." Also, this statement is given to answer the Jews' question concerning what they must do in order to be saved (Acts 2:37). Acts 22:16 shows us that baptism is involved in calling on the name of the Lord, and that it is required for one's sins to be washed away.

b) In order to negate the importance of Acts 2:38, some will say the phrase "remission of sins" refers to sins previously forgiven. The expression "for the remission of sins" is found in the New Testament four times in the American Standard Version, and the New King James Version. Those passages are Matthew 26:28; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 2:38. In every one of those passages the expression "remission of sins" means "in order to" receive remission of sins. It does not mean because the sins are already remitted.

The expression "for the remission of sins" is found five times in the King James Version. The added verse is Romans 3:25. From here it might be argued that "for the remission of sins" is used to refer to sins already forgiven. However, the King James translators made an error in their translation at this point. The Greek word for "remission" is "aphesis," which means, "the releasing of, or letting go of something." This is not the word found in Romans 3:25. The word here is "paresin" which is not found anywhere else in the Greek New Testament. According to Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon this word means, "pretermission, the passing over, letting pass, neglecting, disregarding." The American Standard Version and the New King James Version correctly translate this passage as "the passing over", and "has passed over" respectively. The New King James says, "...God has passed over the sins that were previously committed..." In other words, God overlooked those sins, He did not remit them (Hebrews 10:1-4).

d) In Acts 2:38 the words "repent" and "be baptized" are connected by the coordinating conjunction "and." This means that both have the same object, which is "for the remission of sins." Both are equally important in receiving remission of sins. Some religious people will tell us that the expression "for the remission of sins" in Acts 2:38 means that the "sins have been forgiven previously." This is said in order to cause us to believe that one is baptized because the "sins have been forgiven previously." But, the word "repent" has the "remission of sins" as its object also. If this expression "for the remission of sins" means because they have been forgiven previously then this passage teaches us that repentance is because we have already been forgiven. Because baptism is connected to "repentance" and has the same object (remission of sins) then baptism is also "in order to" receive the remission of sins and not because the sins have already been remitted. Should a person be able to receive forgiveness of sins before repentance then it would mean that he would be able to be forgiven by God while still living for Satan and before he had turned his life over to God.

e) The word "eis" is the word translated "for" in Acts 2:38. This word is found hundreds of the times in the New Testament. Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon, Robinson's Greek-English Lexicon, and W. E. Jelf's Grammar of New Testament Greek all define the Greek word "eis" in such a way as to indicate that it refers to "motion or direction towards" something. Thus, we repent and are baptized in the direction towards remission of sins. Therefore, repentance and baptism are both necessary in order to receive the remission of sins, and not because the remission of sins has already been received.

a) We understand that salvation is by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Romans 11:6). Grace is God's unmerited favor. Salvation is a free gift of the grace of God. Were it not for the grace of God there would be no salvation possible for anyone. One cannot earn his salvation, nor will he ever deserve his salvation. However, the fact that we are saved by grace does not mean that God will save those who refuse to obey Him. God wants all men to be saved (2 Peter 3:9) but not all men will be saved (Matthew 7:13, 14). Why won't all men be saved? The answer is because not all men will obey God (Matthew 7:21-27).

Can salvation be a free gift of God's grace if man is required to do something in order to receive it? Most say you must repent and believe in order to receive the free gift of God's grace (salvation). Therefore, they must admit that God requires certain things of us for salvation. As we have shown in the answer given to the last question God requires baptism in addition to repentance and faith (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). If a present is given to a child at a birthday party that present is a free gift. However, the child is still required to do something in order to receive the gift. He must take it from the hands of the giver, unwrap the present, and open the box. The gift is still free, but he was required to do something in order to receive it. Salvation can still be the free gift of God's grace even if God requires us to do something in order to receive it. When the Jews on Pentecost inquired into salvation they wanted to know what they must "do (Acts 2:37)," and when the jailor inquired into salvation he asked "what must I do to be saved (Acts 16:30)?"

b) God does in fact require certain works of us. Jesus said, He will "reward every man according to his works" when He comes to judge the world (Matthew 16:27; Revelation 2:23; 14:13; 20:12, 13). Can we honestly conclude that works have nothing to do with our salvation when we are told that we will be judged by our works?

Consider also the fact that the Bible specifically tells us that good works are required of Christians. Good works are required of Christian women (1 Timothy 2:10). The wealthy are required to be rich in good works (1 Timothy 6:18). The Bible gives us all that we need to be "furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:17)." Christian men are required to show forth a pattern of good works (Titus 2:7). We are told that we must be "zealous of good works (Titus 2:14)." We are to encourage our fellow Christians to be involved in good works (Hebrews 10:24). The wise Christian performs "works with meekness of wisdom (James 3:13)." Christians are required to do good works as an example to the world (1 Peter 3:12). The Christians in the church at Ephesus were told to "repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp-stand from its place (Revelation 2:5)."

Therefore, works have much to do with our salvation. Peter said, "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him (Acts 34, 35)." To work righteousness means to obey God (Psalm 119:172).

c) However, there are certain works we must refrain from if we are to be saved. The New Testament refers to sinful works and works of the Law of Moses as works that must be refrained from. These are works which will cause us to be lost rather than to be saved. We must not engage in the works of the world (John 7:7), the works of darkness (Romans 13:12), the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19), the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), wicked works (Colossians 1:21), dead works (Hebrews 6:1; 9:14), works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and evil works (1 John 3:12).

Much of the New Testament shows us that Law of Moses has been fulfilled in Christ and is no longer in effect (Matthew 5:17; Romans 7:1-6; Galatians 3:22-25; Colossians 2:14-17; Hebrews 9:15-17; etc.). Consequently, the works of the Law of Moses are works that are not required of Christians (Galatians 2:11-21; i.e. 16). In fact, those who seek to be bound by the works of the Law of Moses are "fallen from grace (Galatians 5:1-6)."

d) Repentance and faith involve works. Paul spoke of preaching to the Gentiles the requirement of "works meet for repentance (Acts 26:20)." When one repents he is turning from the works of the world, in order that he might engage in good works (Ephesians 2:10). Therefore, one cannot require repentance of people without admitting that works are involved in salvation.

Faith also involves works (James 2:14-26). We are told by the inspired writer James that faith without works is a dead faith (James 2:17, 20, 26). In the same context James tells us that if we have a faith that is void of works we are no better off than the demons (James 2:19). He gives as examples of godly faith Abraham and Rahab whose faith was accompanied by works (James 2:21-25). The only place the words "faith only" are found together in the New Testament are in James 2:24 where the Bible says, "You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only."

e) It is also suggested by some that baptism cannot be required by God because it means that part of our salvation is in the hands of men. But the same people will say that God requires both repentance and faith. Those are both required for salvation and are up to men and not God. Consider John 6:28, 29. "Then they said to Him, 'What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'"

e) Now let us put it all together. We have proven that salvation is by the grace of God, God requires certain works of us, other types of works will cause us to be lost, and repentance and faith involve works. With those Bible facts in mind let us examine the passages most often given by those who believe the doctrine of "salvation by grace" excludes baptism as being necessary to salvation (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 11:6).

1. First let us look at Titus 3:5. To gain a true understanding of the verse we must look to the context. Verse four tells us that we are considering "the kindness and love of God." It is this kindness and love of God that appeared to man, "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us..." In God's kindness, love, and mercy we have salvation. We do not have it because of anything we have done to earn that salvation. This coincides with verse seven that tells us we have been "justified by His grace." Salvation then comes to us because of God's kindness, love, mercy, and grace, and not because of works of righteousness.

Does this mean that God does not require obedience? Peter said God will accept those who "work righteousness (Acts 10:35)." Do Paul and Peter contradict one another? The answer is no. God does require obedience of us. He does require works of righteousness. Without our obedience to God He will not save us by His grace. However, we can never perform enough works of righteousness to earn our salvation. Thus, salvation is by the grace of God even while God requires us to obey Him.

Next I want us to consider verse eight. This is a verse not referred to by the Baptist preacher although it is in this context. This verse says, "This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men." Notice that our salvation is afforded us by the kindness, love, mercy, and grace of God, but that does not mean God hasn't required of us works of righteousness. The works of righteousness do not do the actual saving. God's grace through the blood of His Son does that (Revelation 1:5; Colossians 1:14). However, God will not apply the blood of His Son to anyone who refuses to obey Him (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8, 9).

2. Let us now examine Ephesians 2:8, 9. Grace is God's part. I think all would agree to that. But the faith is man's part (Mark 16:16; John 6:28, 29; Hebrews 11:6). Does this verse then teach us that because we are saved by grace through faith that God does not require obedience of us? The answer is no, for the kind of faith God requires of us is an obedient faith (James 2:14-26).

Next we are told that salvation is not of ourselves. Salvation is of God. Without God's grace there is no salvation. God doesn't owe it to us (Romans 4:4). The only way God would owe us salvation is if we had lived a perfect life. However, no one has done that except Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23; Hebrews 4:15). Salvation is the gift of God. Remember the illustration of the present given to the child on his birthday. Though the gift was free the child had to do something in order to receive the gift. Though salvation is a gift of God we must do something in order to receive the gift.

Some will here object saying verse nine shows us works have nothing to do with salvation and baptism is a work. Think back to what we discussed concerning works. There are certain types of works not required by God, but works of obedience to God are in fact required. The context here shows which kind of works that God is considering. God is considering works whereby a man could boast that he had earned his salvation. This would be works of merit. This would be works we could perform and say, "Look God I earned my salvation." There is no such thing. We cannot ever earn our salvation but God requires obedience of us (Matthew 7:21). Therefore, when God tell us we must be baptized to be saved we had better do it (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16)!

But I wonder why so many do not cite verse ten. Is it perhaps that verse ten tells us that there are in fact certain types of works that God requires of man. Paul said we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

3. Let us now address Romans 11:6. The context is a discussion of the Law of Moses (Romans 10:4, 5) verses the Law of Faith (Romans 3:27, 28). Those Jews who wish to cling to the works of the Law of Moses are lost (Romans 9:1-4; 10:1-4). However, there is a remnant of the Jews who have accepted the law of faith and have therefore been saved by grace (Romans 11:5). Therefore, the works of verse six are the works of the Law of Moses. Salvation is "no longer of works." Therefore at one point in time it was. This then is a reference to a past law. That past Law would be the Law of Moses. At one point in time the Jews would have to be saved by adherence to the works of the Law of Moses. Now they are saved by grace.

This passage then, does not teach us that obedience to God has nothing to do with receiving the grace of God. Nor does this passage in any way whatsoever teach us that one does not have to be baptized to be saved. Keep in mind that we have already proven that both repentance and faith involve works. Therefore to completely exclude works is to exclude those as well as baptism.

It is amazing the lengths to which some will go to get around the clear teaching of Acts 2:38. Just read it for yourself, see what it says, and accept it.

a) Such an argument is based on a failure to make a distinction between the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches us that there are different gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:4). The gifts of the Holy Spirit can be placed into three categories. There are miraculous gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-12), the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Timothy 1:14), and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2; Acts 2; Acts 10). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is for Christians only. However, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is unique. It is unique in that it was only given on two occasions. The First was in Acts chapter two when the apostles received it. This marked the outpouring of the Spirit upon the Jews. The second was in Acts chapter ten when the household of Cornelius received it. This marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles. Once both Jew and Gentile had received the immersion of the Holy Spirit Joel's prophecy concerning the reception of it by "all flesh" was fulfilled (Joel 2:28). The baptism of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius was also unique in that it was given to him prior to his become a Christian.

b) That Cornelius and his household were required to be baptized in order to be saved is made clear from the words of Peter. First of all Peter commanded them to be baptized (Acts 10:48). This is not an option. This is a necessity. Baptism was just as essential to the salvation of Cornelius as it is to anyone (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). We should take note of Acts 11:14 in order to emphasize the necessity of baptism for Cornelius and his household. The words which Peter told Cornelius were words which were necessary to his salvation. Among those words was the command to be baptized (Acts 10:48).

c) Some have suggested that Acts 10:43 indicates belief alone was all that was necessary. However, the one who has issued these challenges has made it clear that he believes repentance is necessary and yet repentance is not mentioned in verse forty-three. We have already noted that true belief involves obedience to God (James 2:14-26). For that reason we understand that repentance and baptism are the required actions of true believers (Acts 2:38).

1. Now let me make a few arguments which prove the necessity of baptism.

a. One cannot be saved without remission of sins and baptism is required "for remission of sins (Acts 2:38)."

b. The blood of Christ washes our sins away (Revelation 1:5). At what point does the blood of Christ wash our sins away? This happens at the point of baptism (Acts 22:16).

c. If I want to be saved I must be baptized (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21).

d. Salvation is in Christ (2 Timothy 2:10). To get into Christ I must be baptized (Galatians 3:27). Therefore, baptism is essential to salvation.

e. To put to death the old man of sin and to be raised to walk in newness of life I must be baptized (Romans 6:4).

2. When you simply read passages such as Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 what do you see? Before someone comes along and tries to find every way possible around the clear teaching found in these verses, what do you see? Simply read them for what they are. Just read them for what they say.

3. One final point that should not be forgotten is that the neither church of Christ, nor any other church for that matter, has the right to establish doctrine and authorize religious practice. That right belongs to Christ (Matthew 28:18). It does not matter what any church believes. What matters is what the Bible says. For this reason I would suggest that all sincere seekers of the truth open up their Bibles and be in the habit of reading and studying for themselves (Acts 17:11).

Kevin Rutherford

West End Church of Christ

July 2, 2006