Are All "Churches of Christ" the Same?

Do you remember the "Bouncer" ads on TV not long ago. It showed what looked like a traditional type of church building, but there was a bouncer keeping some people out while only letting those who looked like a "traditional Christian" in. It was sponsored by the United Churches of Christ. Several people asked me about these commercials. There are several groups that use this name, but we use it mainly as a descriptive designation.

The Universal Church of Christ is a group that is often simply called "universalists." Some if their leaders even signed the Humanist Manifest II. Not much is heard about them today. However, reading John 5:28,29 discredits the universalist doctrine.

The United Church of Christ came to this country in 1620 on the Mayflower to escape religious persecution. We know them better as the Puritans. Later they became know as the "Congregationalists." For most of their history in this country, they pursued unity through interdenominationlism, union, or unity in diversity. They are very ecumenical. Not long ago, the news reported that they had voted 87% in favor of accepting same sex marriages. It appears that they have gone a long way since the days of the puritans.

There is also what we can call the Church of Christ (Instrumental). This is basically the same as the Christian Church. Three distinct religious movements ultimately developed from the restoration movement of the 19th century (i.e., Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, and churches of Christ).

Who are we? We simply follow the Bible in all things. This is the only valid basis for religious unity. We believe the old saying, "In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty; and in all things love." When Jesus promised to build "His church" (Matthew 16:18), he was saying it would belong to Him. That is what the phrase "church of Christ" means. It is His church. The Bible refers to the church in a universal sense (as in Mt. 16:18), and also in a local sense (as in "the churches of Christ" in Romans 16:16). You can read about the establishment of this church in Acts 2. This is the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to build it. He paid for it with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Finally, Jesus will present it to the Father one day (Ephesians 5:27). This is the church of Christ.

It takes man and his worldly reasoning to make God's simple plan confusing and difficult to understand. We must forget what man may say and listen to God and His Word. He is the one who sent His Son. Jesus is the one who shed His blood, and only He can save us by His grace. Remember Jesus said, "He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him; the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (John 12:48).