Brief Answer

The Church of Christ, as a movement, seeks to align with the teachings of Scripture, emphasizing the authority of the Bible, baptism by immersion, and the simplicity of New Testament church practices. Whether it is considered a good biblical church depends on its specific congregation’s faithfulness to biblical teaching and its adherence to the core doctrines of Christianity, such as salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the unity of believers.

Understanding the Church of Christ from a Biblical Perspective

The Church of Christ has its roots in the Restoration Movement, which sought to return to the simplicity of New Testament Christianity. Central to its teaching are several principles:

• Biblical Authority: The Church of Christ emphasizes the Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Baptism for Salvation: Many Church of Christ congregations teach that baptism by immersion is essential for salvation, referencing passages like Acts 2:38.
• Unity of Believers: Inspired by Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 17:21), the movement aims to unify Christians under the authority of Scripture.
• Simplicity in Worship: Many congregations avoid practices not explicitly found in the New Testament, such as instrumental music in worship.

These core principles reflect a desire to adhere to the New Testament model of the church.

Historical Context

The Church of Christ emerged during the early 19th century in the United States as part of the broader Restoration Movement. Leaders like Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone sought to eliminate denominational divisions and restore the church to its New Testament foundations.

Their efforts were influenced by the Protestant Reformation’s emphasis on Scripture alone (sola scriptura) and a rejection of man-made creeds. The Restoration Movement grew rapidly, giving rise to several branches, including the Churches of Christ, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the independent Christian churches.

Practical Implications

When evaluating whether the Church of Christ is a good biblical church, consider the following:

• Adherence to Scripture: A good biblical church faithfully teaches and applies God’s Word.
• Christ-Centeredness: True churches exalt Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, proclaiming salvation through faith in Him (John 14:6).
• Fellowship and Love: A healthy church fosters loving relationships among believers (John 13:35).
• Missional Focus: It should prioritize sharing the gospel and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

It’s important to note that practices and beliefs can vary among individual Church of Christ congregations, so discernment is needed.

Theological Depth and Insight

A key theological question surrounding the Church of Christ concerns its teaching on baptism and salvation. While baptism is biblically significant as an outward expression of faith and obedience (Romans 6:3-4), Scripture also teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Some Church of Christ congregations may unintentionally overemphasize the act of baptism, potentially leading to confusion about salvation being a work of grace rather than a human effort. A biblical perspective affirms the importance of baptism while upholding faith in Christ as the sole basis for salvation.

Broader Biblical Themes

The Church of Christ aligns with several biblical themes:

• Unity in the Body of Christ: Paul emphasizes the importance of unity among believers (Ephesians 4:3-6). The Church of Christ’s commitment to uniting Christians under the authority of Scripture echoes this theme.
• Restoration and Renewal: The movement’s desire to restore the New Testament church reflects God’s ongoing work of renewal and reform in His people.
• Obedience to God’s Word: A biblical church seeks to obey Scripture in its worship, doctrine, and practice (James 1:22).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding believers and churches into truth:

• Conviction of Sin: The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
• Illumination of Scripture: The Spirit helps believers understand and apply God’s Word (John 14:26).
• Empowerment for Ministry: A Spirit-filled church relies on God’s power for worship, evangelism, and discipleship (Acts 1:8).

A biblical church, including congregations within the Church of Christ, must depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

For Christians evaluating the Church of Christ or any church, the following principles apply:

• Examine the Teaching: Does the church faithfully teach the gospel and uphold biblical truth (Acts 17:11)?
• Observe the Fruit: Are the members growing in Christlike love, holiness, and unity (Galatians 5:22-23)?
• Test the Spirit: Does the church rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and direction (1 John 4:1)?

Christians should prayerfully seek a church that nurtures their faith and equips them to live out God’s purposes.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

A good biblical church exalts Jesus Christ as the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). It proclaims the gospel of His death and resurrection, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith in Him.

The Church of Christ’s emphasis on Scripture and obedience reflects a desire to honor God’s Word and live in His love. However, its ultimate effectiveness depends on how it points people to Jesus and fosters a relationship with Him.

Bible Characters

• The Bereans: In Acts 17:11, the Bereans were commended for examining the Scriptures daily to verify Paul’s teachings. This is a model for evaluating any church’s teaching.
• The Early Church: The first believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and prayer, providing a blueprint for biblical churches (Acts 2:42-47).
• Paul: As a church planter and teacher, Paul emphasized the gospel’s simplicity and power (1 Corinthians 1:17-18).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the Church of Christ’s emphasis on restoring New Testament practices align with biblical teaching?
2. What role should baptism play in the life of a believer and in church doctrine?
3. How can we evaluate whether a church faithfully teaches God’s Word and exalts Jesus Christ?
4. In what ways does the Church of Christ’s focus on unity challenge us to pursue greater love and harmony among believers?

The Church of Christ seeks to honor God by aligning with Scripture and restoring the simplicity of New Testament Christianity. Whether it is a good biblical church depends on its specific congregation’s faithfulness to God’s Word and the gospel of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to discern wisely and prioritize Christ-centered teaching and fellowship in our church communities.