Are these concepts of the International Christian Church true?
Question:
I wanted to get your input on something I will paste below and where the concepts can be found scripturally if at all.
"The primary differences between the "first Movement" (ICOC) and the new SoldOut Movement is the unity among the SoldOut Movement Leaders on doctrines such as: 1) Salvation is promised only to baptized disciples; 2) The visible church should be composed of only "sold-out" baptized disciples; 3) The Old Testament Scriptures are to be applied to our lives; 4) Central Leadership is necessary to propel the Gospel around the world as autonomy is sin; 5) Discipling is a command of God; and 6) The vision to evangelize the nations in a generation."
Answer:
The International Christian Church was started after Kip McKean, who was the head of the International Church of Christ, was kicked out over a scandal. With the ouster of Mr. McKean, the International Church of Christ broke apart, though various congregations continue its traditions in a more loosely knitted fellowship. For a brief history of these groups, see: How are you different from the International Church of Christ?
Salvation is promised to those who obey Christ and are baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38-39; Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:26-29). The statement at face value would be true, but the application of "disciple" refers solely to members of this denomination (point number 2). That I would object to because they don't follow the teachings of Christ fully.
The Old Testament is for our learning (Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 10:6,11), but they are no longer in effect. "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:1-4). As Paul points out, if you justify something by the Old Testament, then you have to keep all of it, which includes the sacrifices and the requirements to go to Jerusalem three times a year, and the death penalties for violating the ten commandments.
Point 4 is completely false. There is no command for a central controlling organization in the New Testament. Christ is our only head. See The Autonomy of the Local Church.
Point 5 at face value would be true (Matthew 28:18-20), but since point 2 says a disciple is a member of this denomination, it becomes false. Jesus did not command his followers to join a denomination (I Corinthians 1:10-13).
Point 6 is a goal of this denomination. The spreading of the true gospel was accomplished in the first century (Romans 10:18; Colossians 1:6). The need to continue to spread the gospel remains, but not to promote a false religion.
