Core Beliefs?
Some brethren recently passed along information from a website put together by our "brethren." For those who have not come across liberalism in the church—or who have not recognized it—this is what it looks like. Generally speaking, the purpose of an "Our Beliefs" section is to give people an adequate idea of what we believe and practice. Keep in mind that in many instances we can define ourselves by what we do not say, as well as what we do say. Below is the way one particular Website (which is intentionally not specified) begins:
The following are the core beliefs of _ __ Church of Christ based on the foundational truths taught in the bible [sic]. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
Why is it that liberals do not capitalize the word Bible? Since about 99% of all religious books, including commentaries, do so, what is the rationale for the small b? Is this some new theological fad making the rounds, and if it is, what is the point? The world contains a multitude of books, but there is only one that can be called The Book.
The statement the website makes about God appears to be appropriate, as is the one concerning Revelation. The last accurate statement is the first sentence under the next heading, "Mankind": "Humans were created in God's image for His glory." Oddly enough, no Scriptures accompany any of the points made in their core beliefs, but Genesis 1:26-27 and Colossians 1:16 would have made a good inclusion.
However, at this point, the "Core Beliefs" statement begins to get a little wobbly. The next (and final) sentence under "Mankind" raises an eyebrow: "They were made to partner with God in the good and perfect rule of His creation." What do they mean by that? Possibly they refer to Genesis 1:26 and 1:28—of having dominion over the earth, but in light of a later statement, one wonders.
Commenting on "The Fall," the website declares that when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, "they ceased to be what they were made to be and became distorted images of God." So, what happens when man repents? Is the image restored to what it was—or does it remain distorted? This section concludes by saying Adam and Eve fell "out of fellowship with God…." Again, what about repentance? Does that not restore fellowship (1 John 1:7)?
Salvation
The previous matters dwarf in comparison to their appalling statement on salvation. They are correct, of course, to claim that "Jesus Christ came to reconcile us with God" and that "He lived a life without sin and willingly died on the cross to save us from sin and death." They are also correct in proclaiming that "God raised him [sic] from the dead…." All these things, however, describe what God has done. While we must understand God's grace, we must also understand that man also has a response to make.
God also by His grace "offers as a free gift eternal life…." No one can deny what God has done in making salvation available to all mankind. God took the initiative in planning for man to be saved and in implementing the plan. That Jesus lived a perfect life (1 Peter 2:22) and obtained eternal redemption for us with His own blood shed on the cross (Heb. 9:12), offering one sacrifice for sins forever (Heb. 10:12), cannot be successfully contradicted.
Everyone agrees as to the role that the Father and the Son play in our salvation, but the question people want and need to know the answer to is, "How are our sins forgiven?" Those on the Day of Pentecost asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). This website does not answer as Peter did. Eternal life is granted, they say, "to all who follow Christ, by faith, as their Lord and Savior. That is why salvation can be found in Christ alone." That's it. In vain will one look to find a mention of repentance or baptism. This statement could have been written by practically any denomination.
In fact, here is a statement from the Methodist Discipline (2016): "Through faith in Jesus Christ we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and transformed as people of the new covenant." Both statements are true—as far as they go. But it is what they do not say that is significant. Do people need to follow Christ as their Lord and Savior by faith? Absolutely! But neither of these statements explains how to access the forgiveness of sins or the salvation that is in Christ alone.
Is repentance necessary in order to be saved? Jesus said it was. He spoke to those present on one occasion: "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (as had various Galileans put to death by Pilate) (Luke 13:1-3). Did Jesus say that baptism preceded salvation? He did: "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). Notice that both faith and baptism precede the receiving of salvation. So, why does one of "our" websites include the former but not the latter?
The very first occasion on which salvation was presented after Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven was on the Day of Pentecost. When the people wanted to know what they should do, what was Peter's answer? Did he say, as the website does, that eternal life is granted "to all who follow Christ, by faith, as their Lord and Savior"? No, Peter did not even mention faith. It was obvious that his listeners believed, or they would not have asked the question they did.
Peter's answer included two things that would ensure them the forgiveness of sins—repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38). Peter did not hesitate to answer the question; why is the website so remiss? Are they ashamed of the gospel? Why can they not speak as the inspired apostle did? Are they not aware of what they have omitted, or do they just not believe that repentance and baptism are vital?
The South Seminole website (associated with your congenial editor) is cocwp.org. We too have a section outlining our beliefs. Perhaps the following is not perfect, but at least it includes what people need to hear concerning salvation. It can be found under "Who We Are" and then "Our Beliefs":
Salvation comes to us by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). His love and mercy have made it available to us, but we must respond in a positive manner to His gracious offer. We must have faith in God (Hebrews 11:6) and in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:24). Sin causes us to be separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and thus repenting of our sins is absolutely essential in order for us to be saved (Luke 13:3). God has ordained that all who believe and are willing to repent of their sins should be baptized in order to have them forgiven (Acts 2:37-38). Then, Christians must live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10), observing all that we are taught in the New Testament as best we can (Matthew 7:21-27).
The websites of other brethren read similarly; we can only conclude that the website we have been discussing intentionally left out all references to crucial parts of salvation.
The Church
Once again, descriptions are very bland; they specify that the church is "the visible body of Christ," which glorifies God, and proclaims "the gospel of Jesus Christ." "Who's in it?" one wonders. It consists of those who have been saved—washed, sanctified, justified (1 Cor. 6:9-11). It is not a manmade denomination, and in fact such a concept is repudiated (1 Cor. 1:10-13). It was built by Jesus (Matt. 16:18), as well as purchased by Him (Acts 20:28). He is Head over the body, the church (Eph. 1:22-23, 4:4).
Now, every Scripture listed above may not need to be used, but there should be more of a description than saying the church is the visible body of Christ. Any religious denomination in this country, as well as non-denominational groups could have used the same words, and the reader would see nothing distinctive about the Lord's church.
The Resurrection
"Jesus Christ is returning one day to judge both the living and the dead and to usher in the fullness of God's kingdom on earth." Everything before the and is as true as everything after it is false. Jesus is coming again, and that second coming is described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. Jesus will be descending from heaven (1 Thess. 4:16). He comes to the earth but does not set foot on it. Christians arise from the earth "in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (v. 17).
The passage in 2 Thessalonians describes a judgment scene. Notice that nothing is mentioned about that judgment taking place on earth. Those who do not know God and have not obeyed the gospel will be "punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (1:9). Christians will be granted rest (v. 7), and they will glorify Him (v. 10).
But what passage insinuates that Jesus will at this time "usher in the fullness of God's kingdom on earth"? If these words do not suggest premillennialism, exactly what are they saying? Didn't Jesus say, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36)? The two passages in Thessalonians do not teach God's kingdom on earth after His second coming. Neither do 1 Corinthians 15 or 2 Peter 3:10-13. Most people attempt to establish a reign on earth from various figurative passages in the Book of Revelation. But since this Website does not cite any verses, it would only be a guess as to what their thinking is.
About 100 years ago, some brethren became enamored with the idea of premillennialism. Foy Wallace, Jr., debated mightily and effectively on the subject so that it was fairly well defeated, although one might find premillennial congregations scattered around. But now liberalism has infiltrated many churches of Christ, and one can expect almost any false doctrine to be taught currently.
False Doctrines
First, many have given up defending the fact that Jesus came to establish His church, and they have begun treating the church for which Christ died as a denomination, which members have never regarded it as being. Are they too embarrassed to claim to be simply the church? Jesus was not bashful in proclaiming that He is the way, the truth, and the life—and that no one can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6)? Why should we be embarrassed to say that God never authorized denominations and that our only intention is to be the church one reads about in the New Testament? If we are not the church described in the Bible, we have no reason to exist.
Second, many have given up advocating that we only do in worship what the New Testament authorizes us to do (Col. 3:17). Some are allowing handclapping and instrumental music at various times—maybe on a Saturday evening. If they are not outright using instruments of music, they refuse to condemn their use; they just prefer to sing a cappella, which is a worthless position. Mechanical instruments of music are either authorized, or they are not.
Third, some have become charismatic—or nearly so; it is hard to say what they may claim the Holy Spirit is doing to them. He might be giving them an extra oomph in resisting temptation, or He might be giving them Divine wisdom directly. Some may not be going so far as to advocate speaking in tongues, but just give them more time. One man claimed to be an apostle a few decades ago.
Fourth, some have invaded the truth to the point of no longer preaching baptism for the remission of sins. They have decided if a person has been baptized, that is sufficient—regardless of the reason, which would make Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and many Pentecostals our brethren; they all teach immersion. A few liberals will actually say that the reason doesn't matter; others just never mention the forgiveness of sins in connection with it. They mention the new birth or putting on Christ—but not obtaining forgiveness of sins. Some need to do some intense soul searching to discover what their core beliefs are.