Highway 95 church of Christ

The New Testament clearly teaches that baptism is "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). That is to say, that baptism is for the forgiveness of one's past sins. The Bible defines sin as (1) the transgression of God's laws (I John 3:4; Romans 4:15), and (2) failing to do that which we know is the right thing to do (James 4:17). An infant or even little child cannot possibly transgress God's law. Where there is no sin, there is no need for New Testament baptism. Only accountable people must be baptized to have their sins washed away (Acts 22:16). Should an infant, a little child or anyone not yet accountable for their sins die, they are safe with God.

The Bible nowhere teaches of the stain of Adam's sin being inherited by future generations. The consequences of the sin of Adam and Eve were passed on [both physical and spiritual death], but the consequences and the sins themselves are not the same thing. Sin is something one commits. The inspired apostle Paul wrote, "for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Notice here that the action of sinning is from mankind. Paul would also write that because of the sin of Adam death came into the world [a consequence of sin], and that through Christ and his sacrifice we can enjoy eternal life (I Corinthians 15:21-22). In fact, the Bible is quite clear in teaching that each individual is responsible for his or her own sin. Notice what Ezekiel, the prophet of God, penned centuries ago. "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself" (Ezekiel 18:20).

The word "baptize" comes to us from the Greek word "baptidzo." Baptidzo means to dip; to plunge beneath; to immerse. Biblical baptism requires "much water." We note from John 3:23 that John the Baptizer "was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there." Why was "much water" a requirement if John could have simply put a few drops of water on them? We also note from Acts 8:36-39 that upon the Ethiopian eunuch's request to be baptized, "both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptize him." The Bible itself defines baptism as a burial process in Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12. We are buried with Christ in baptism and then raised up to "walk in newness of life." There is absolutely no Bible authority for sprinkling or pouring. Let us do Bible things in Bible ways.

Contrary to what many people say about members of the church of Christ, we too believe that we are saved by faith in Jesus. However, we do not believe that we are saved by any one act alone. It required God the Father and His Son, Jesus the Christ, to do their part. God sent His "only begotten Son" (John 3:16) into the world, and Jesus subjected Himself to death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Additionally, we are saved by God's abundant grace. Paul wrote, "the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). God gave us the Gospel, His inspired word, and contained in it is the power to save; the power that leads to salvation (Romans 1:16). We are also saved by "hope" (Romans 8:24). We, as God's highest creation, also must comply with God's commandments to be saved. Faith is essential to man's salvation (John 20:30-31), but so is repentance from our sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30), so to is the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10). Baptism for past sins is no less essential to our salvation. Acts 2:38 says that we must repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Saul of Tarsus was told that baptism washes away sins (Acts 22:16). Those who believe and are baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16), and Peter was succinct when he wrote, "baptism also now saves us" (I Peter 3:21).

We believe that we must have biblical authority for what we do and what we teach. The idea of denominations is not found anywhere in the New Testament. There is no biblical authority for the many churches teaching different doctrines on a variety of subjects. While sincerity in one's religion is necessary, sincerity alone is not enough. The apostle Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, was genuine and deeply sincere in his persecution of the church (Acts 23:1), but he was sincerely wrong. He was confronted by the Lord for persecuting Christians while he was on the road to Damascus to continue his persecution (Acts 9). Paul even told Timothy that he was "chief among sinners" (I Timothy 1:15). Remember too, that Jesus promised to build His church. In Matthew 16:18 we read the words of our Lord, "And upon this rock I will build My church." The rock under consideration here is not Peter that some claim, but rather Peter's grand and glorious confession that Jesus was in fact the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). With that said, Jesus did not build a multiplicity of churches. He built one, and only one, HIS!

For something to be acceptable to God, it must be authorized by God. To properly respond to this issue we must ask a few questions. (1) Is the use of instruments of music commanded? There is not one single verse in the New Testament that commands the use of such. And the honest heart admits that we can worship without it. (2) Is there a New Testament example of the use of instruments of music in worship? No! Once the church was established in A.D. 33 there is not one example of the disciples using them in worship. (3) Is the use of instruments of music scriptural? In order for something to be scriptural the action must be authorized by God in the New Testament (our standard of authority). No authority can be found for mechanical instruments of music. Peter wrote, "If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Peter 4:11). This means, in simplest of terms, that we say (teach) exactly what God says in the way that He has said it. (4) Can we justify it as a good work? In II Timothy 3:16-17 Paul tells us that the Scriptures are the inspired word of God, and that they thoroughly equip "us for every good work." Logically then, since the New Testament equips us for every good work, and nowhere does it authorize mechanical instruments of music in worship, it is not a good work. The New Testament is very clear what kind of music God wants from us in the Christian age. Following the institution of the Lord's Supper, as recorded in Matthew 26:26-29, Matthew records, "And when they had sung a hymn…." In Acts 16:25 we find Paul and Silas "singing hymns to God." Though many other references can be given we will note just a couple more verses that emphasize singing. Ephesians 5:18-19 says that we are to "be filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." In a parallel passage, Colossians 3:16 Paul wrote, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in you hearts to the Lord." Music in the New Testament church has a purpose. It is designed for us to speak to one another. Its purpose is for the "teaching and admonishing of one another." Mechanical instruments of music do not speak, teach or admonish, and therefore do not meet the designed purpose of our God. If we are looking for the instruments to be used that please God, the inspired apostle Paul tells us that they are the human voice and human heart.