What Is A "church of Christ" Position?
Neal Pollard
Sometimes a new or weak Christian, still learning, says, "The church of Christ believes such and such." Such a statement is dangerous if the person making the statement has the concept that the beliefs and teaching of the church of Christ are merely part of a man-conceived system peculiar to the group of which he now is a part. Proper teaching should change that mind set through the course of time. Perhaps, positively, one who speaks of a "church of Christ position" speaks of the distinctiveness of the Lord's church on a Bible matter as contrasted to how the world and denominations stand on such.
It is disturbing to think, however, that some within the body of Christ who speak of a "church of Christ position" speak disparagingly of some of the doctrinal stands gospel preachers and godly elders take on issues like modest apparel, mechanical instruments in the singing portion of worship, woman's role in the worship and leadership of the church, marriage, divorce, and remarriage, along with a host of other moral and doctrinal "positions." There are several unfortunate implications stemming from a statement like the one under consideration.
Is It Implied That One View Is As Good As Another?
One viewpoint on a matter of judgement may be as good as another, but the examples given above do not fall within the realm of judgment. For example, it is not scriptural to teach that immodesty is acceptable to God. It is dangerous to limit a biblical matter to a "church of Christ position" as if it were a single stance among several other, equally acceptable positions. The net result of such tolerance is the religious confusion that exists today. No rational person would say, "It is his position that an untreated rattlesnake bite will kill the one bitten." It probably is "his" position, but what other position would one take? In the same way, when the gospel preacher preaches "one husband, one wife, for life, except for spousal fornication and death," that is clearly "his" position because he derived from the correct study of the bible that it is the only one authorized by the scriptures. What other positions could one hold and continue to please the Lord? And, it is the same with every matter of faith within the Bible.
Is It Implied That The Bible And Belief Therein Is Purely Subjective?
In a cultural climate that is openly tolerant of diverse views and expressions, some religious people may feel the pressure to be tolerant with every religious view and conclusion. Yet, it is important to see that the Bible is an objective standard rather than a subjective suggestion. Such attempts to dilute the pattern of scriptural authority opens the door for any "position" to be true. If there is no set right or wrong on a matter, is everything right? The Bible teaches that there is a "form of doctrine" to be obeyed (Romans 6:17). "Truth" sanctifies (John 17:17), but if there are a hundred truths, which one should be believed? The Bible commands that one "hold fast the form of sound words" (II Timothy 1:13). God and Christ expect religious unity (cf., John 17), and one can be confident that they have made it possible for unity to exist.
Is It Implied That Erroneous Views Will Not Be Condemned?
If the church of Christ holds the "position" that baptism is essential for salvation and others believe that faith apart from baptism saves, will both be saved? Can it be said that those who believe, teach, obey, and thereafter live according to error will be lost? Of course, no one desires to be offensive in teaching the Bible, and one should never be unnecessarily offensive. However, moral courage must cause Christian teachers to identify sin and its wages (Romans 6:23). The Bible teaches that many will be condemned (Matthew 7:13-14). Those who stand condemned are those who are disobedient and who walk contrary to the will of God (cf., Matthew 7:21-24; Hebrews 5:8,9; II Thessalonians 1:8; I Peter 4:1). Certainly Christ will be the Judge before whom every individual stands (Matthew 25:31-34). But, as certainly, he will judge justly---according to the written word of God (John 12:48). If he will save those who lived contrary to his will, who will be lost on that day? Will anyone be lost?
One should never accept anything simply because a church of Christ preacher, teacher, elder, or other members say it! The standard of right will always be the Bible. Whatever is done religiously must be according to the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:17). May one never dismiss Bible teaching in confusing and crediting the stand as only a "church of Christ position." May our every position, as God's people, be what God teaches. Let us stand boldly thereon (cf., I Corinthians 3:10-12)! Then, the position one holds can confidently be believed and practiced by every member of the Lord's church and taught to a world lost in sin.
--Post Office Box 745
Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111
Leroy Sedgwick
lemar@mail.gte.net
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Most recent revision Tuesday, September 09, 1997