Are ALL Churches OF Christ?
by Perry Hall
I belong to a local congregation called "Millersville Church of Christ." When asked what church I belong to, I often add, "But any other name in the Bible, we go by that one, too." That usually brings a smile. If speaking biblically, there is no official name or title for Christ's church. When Romans 16:16 says, "All the churches of Christ salute you," "churches of Christ" is a description of the relationship of baptized believers saved by grace through faith (Romans 6; 1:16).
This introduces the pertinent question, "Are all churches of Christ?" Said differently, "Do all churches belong to Christ?" Here are four litmus tests, and each one requires a necessary affirmative.
- Affiliation
- Allegiance
- Attributes
- Authority
Affiliation
Scripture uses different descriptions to refer to Christ's church, even if not using the name of Christ, such as "church of God" (I Corinthians 1:2). However, immediately after this, Paul includes "to those sanctified in Christ Jesus." A church sign could include any of those because we come to God the Father by being made holy through God the Son. The point is, do all churches emphasize their affiliation to deity or denominations? Since no denominations exist in the Bible, a church belongs to Christ by being "pre-denominational." Does Christ belong to a denomination? If not, should his church? In affiliation, is our church of Christ?
Allegiance
Much discussion is made over the concept of "faith." Are we saved by faith alone? Do faith and works save us? Are we saved by a faith that works? If we understand faith as trust and faith as allegiance, that question is answered. Allegiance is about relationships. When a knight swore his allegiance to the king, did that include obeying the king's commands, including doing whatever the king demanded to declare that allegiance? Our church must emphasize our faith works by obeying our King. We obey because of our trust and allegiance. In allegiance, is our church of Christ?
Attributes
Someone defined "Christian" as meaning "little christs." This again emphasizes relationships. Jesus is the head of the body, His church (Ephesians 1). Shouldn't the body match the head? Becoming more like Jesus is the goal. If so, sin cannot be excused. After all, the actual physical body of Jesus was crucified to remove sin. Yes, we all still sin, but the reason churches must not overlook sin isn't because we are perfect or being judgmental. There is a difference between being wrongly judgmental and rightly judging. Churches are filled with Christ-like seekers, imitating Jesus. As Paul said, "imitate me as I imitate Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1). Considering Paul's inspired writings included correction, this includes doing what Jesus said by taking the plank out of our individual's eyes so we can help take the speck out of other's eyes (Matthew 7). Why? Because helping others become holier is being like Jesus, who is holy and makes us holy. Therefore, churches should help individuals work toward becoming more like Jesus in being holy, loving those who are not holy, sacrificing one's own will for the sake of others, and more...much more! It never ends. In attributes, is our church of Christ?
Authority
Not only should Jesus be our authority since He has all authority (Matthew 28), but Jesus must also be our authority, as an example of following authority. Did you ever notice how Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things" (John 5:19). Jesus didn’t add to or take away from God's word. Neither should we. Jesus didn’t speak where His Father was silent. Neither should we. Jesus is our authority and our example in following authority. In authority, is our church of Christ?
Which church do I belong to? While never perfect like Christ, I seek to belong to more than a "church of Christ." I strive to belong to a church of Christ in affiliation, allegiance, attributes, and authority. Would you like to join us?
