Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 9/15/2006

Question
Hi. I am currently locked in an endless circle of trying to choose who is write between the Baptist church and the Church of Christ. I was wandering if you could shed some light on the subject. As odd as it may seem I am currently attending both at various times. I have done and currently am studying to find which one I feel is most right. The problem I am running into is I agree what some of what one teaches and some of what the other teaches. I have been confused for a while, but I want to do what God wants me to do. Any help you could give would be appreciated. And please show in the Bible. No disrespect, but your words mean nothing with out the bible backing them up. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Chris,

Thanks for this great question.  I really appreciate your attitude about the Bible... you are right... my words mean nothing...it is what God says that matters.  

The biggest difference between the two is that Baptists believe in Salvation by grace through faith plus nothing, and the Church of Christ believes that one must be baptized in order to merit salvation.  Here is the verse that they use:

Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

So...what does it mean to be baptized "for the remission of sins".  In English we read that and assume that it means to be baptized in order to receive the remission of sins.  THe Greek word translated "for" is actually different.  The English equilivant is "Fined FOR speeding"
So be baptized BECAUSE OF the remission of sins that happens when you believe.

Now let us look at the proof texts offered for salvation by grace through faith alone, with no external works offered on our part.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Galatians 2:21
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Acts 16:30-31
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

BAPTISM WAS NOT REQUIRED!

Notice the story of the theif on the cross.... no Baptism!

Luke 23:39-43
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don