The Church of Christ emphasizes a simple yet profound plan of salvation, rooted in the teachings of the Bible. This plan isn't a rigid formula but rather a beautiful, unfolding relationship with God, initiated by His grace and nurtured by our faith and obedience. This guide will explore the core elements of this plan, addressing common questions and misconceptions.
What is the Plan of Salvation According to the Church of Christ?
At its heart, the Church of Christ's understanding of salvation centers on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's a process involving repentance, faith, baptism, and ongoing obedience to God's commands. We believe salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus, not earned through good works. However, good works are the natural outcome of a genuine faith.
This differs from some perspectives that emphasize belief alone ("Sola Fide") without the necessity of outward actions such as baptism. The Church of Christ views baptism as a vital, commanded act of obedience following repentance and faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. This isn't to say that baptism saves us; rather, it's the outward expression of an inward transformation already begun.
What are the Steps in the Plan of Salvation?
While the order may vary slightly in different Churches of Christ, the core steps generally include:
1. Hearing and Understanding the Gospel:
The process begins with hearing the good news (Gospel) of Jesus Christ. This involves understanding who Jesus is—God incarnate, who lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again, conquering death.
2. Repentance:
Repentance is a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It involves acknowledging our wrongdoings and genuinely desiring to change our lives. It's not just feeling sorry, but a commitment to forsake sinful actions and attitudes.
3. Faith in Jesus Christ:
Faith is more than intellectual assent; it's a wholehearted trust and reliance on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It's believing in His sacrifice for our sins and accepting Him as the way to God.
4. Baptism:
Baptism is the outward expression of our inward faith and repentance. In the Church of Christ, we practice immersion, a complete submersion in water, symbolizing our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. This is seen as a commanded act of obedience from the New Testament.
5. Continued Obedience and Growth:
Salvation is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing journey. This involves continued study of the Bible, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and striving to live a life pleasing to God. This continual obedience isn't a means to gain salvation, but a natural result of a genuine faith.
What Does it Mean to be Saved?
Being saved, from the Church of Christ perspective, means being reconciled to God. Through faith in Jesus and obedience to His commands, we are forgiven our sins, given eternal life, and granted a relationship with God. This is not merely an escape from hell, but a participation in the divine life, a transformation from the inside out.
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
The Church of Christ firmly believes that baptism is a commanded act of obedience for those who have repented and placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38 and other passages are often cited as evidence for this belief. It's not considered a work that earns salvation, but a necessary step in identifying with Christ and publicly declaring one's faith.
What about Good Works?
Good works are not a means to salvation in the Church of Christ view. However, they are the fruit of a genuine faith. A changed life, motivated by love for God and others, is a natural outcome of being saved. Good works are a demonstration of our gratitude and a way to serve God and others.
This comprehensive overview provides a solid understanding of the plan of salvation within the Churches of Christ. It's a plan built on grace, emphasizing both faith and obedience as integral parts of a life transformed by the love of Jesus Christ. Remember to seek further understanding through study of the scriptures and fellowship with a local Church of Christ.
