Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 2/22/2010

Question
I have grown up in a baptist church my whole life and have never done research about my faith. My biggest question is i was baptized when i was 8. but i rededicated my life when i was a teenager. I have been talking to a girl that is a church of Christ. and she has told me that i need to be rebaptism since when i was baptized when i was younger i didn't really understand the meaning of it all. what do you think? Also my church only does communion 4 times a year and church of Christ does it every week. what are the differences in that? well thank you for your time and look forward to reading your response.

Answer
Hi Richard,
  There are major differences in the beliefs of the Church of Christ and what the Bible teaches.  Some key distinctives of their false teaching are as follows:

  (1) Salvation is by faith plus one’s good works.    However, God’s word is absolutely clear that salvation is not of works, but of God’s grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”   (Ephesians 2:8-9)    
  (2) Water baptism is necessary for salvation (baptismal regeneration).    Acts 2:38 is misinterpreted to mean that baptism remits sins.  The verse does not teach that water baptism is necessary for salvation.  My article will refute this false teaching.  The link will be at the end of this response.
  (3) The Churches of Christ are the only true churches today.  “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)   A true church will teach God’s word truthfully and correctly.    “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”  (John 4:24)   A church that is based on and teaches a false salvation certainly does not speak truth and God has no part in it.
  (4) Christians should not be called by names other than "Church of Christ," "Disciples," or "Christian." The churches in the New Testament were called by the name of their geographical location, such as the church in Ephesus, Symrna, Pergamos, etc.   The term “church of Christ” not even found in the New Testament.    The closest the New Testament comes to using this phrase is “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours”   (1 Corinthians 1:2)   Note is says the church of God which is at Corinth.
  (5) A Christian can lose his salvation “The Churches of Christ is a false church that teaches false doctrines and Satan is the author of all false teaching.  It  must be avoided in obedience to Rom. 16:17-18.
          The following article will address each of your concerns.
           http://bible-truth.org/Acts2-38.html  “Does Acts 2:38 Teach that Baptism is Necessary for Salvation?”
  http://bible-truth.org/BaptismNotNecessary.html  “Does the Bible say Baptism is Necessary for Salvation?”
  http://bible-truth.org/James2-24.html  “Does James teach Salvation by Faith Plus Works?
  http://bible-truth.org/msg105.html  “Eternal Security - Romans 8:1-17,35"

  The girl you are talking to has been deceived into believing lies about what God’s word teaches.  Study what the Bible teaches and try to help her see the error of church’s teaching.  Be tactful and respectful and maybe you can help her see the truth.  You have been very fortunate in being raised and taught God’s truth in the church you have attended.    Be prepared, though, for her to reject God’s word and rather believe her church leaders rather that God’s word.   I would show her what the Bible says and then ask her to read the articles I have sent links to.  Show her you are not interested in simply proving her wrong, but rather in care for her souls let her see God’s truth.
    Thank your for your questions and I pray that you will be able to help her come to God’s truth.
            If you have further questions or comments please write.

Cooper P Abrams III
Romans 12:1-2
1. http://bible-truth.org
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity" (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 )

For a clear explanation of God's plan of salvation please go to: http://bible-truth.org/gospel.html