What do members of the church of Christ believe…

…about the Bible?

The original sixty-six books which make up the Bible are considered to have been inspired by God and are, therefore, infallible and authoritative.  Reference to the scriptures is made in settling every religious question.  A pronouncement from the scripture is considered the final word.  The textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is the Bible.

…about the virgin birth?

Isaiah 7:14 is taken as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ.  New Testament passages such as Matthew 1:20, 25 are accepted at face value as declarations of the virgin birth. Christ is the only begotten Son of God, uniting perfect divinity and perfect manhood.

…about predestination?

The Bible speaks of predestination only in the sense that God predestines the righteous to be eternally saved and the unrighteous to be eternally lost. The statement of the apostle Peter, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is acceptable unto him" (Acts 10:34-35) is evidence that God did not predestine individuals to be eternally saved or lost, but that each man determines his own destiny.

…about baptism?

The bible teaches that baptism is essential for salvation (i.e. Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 6:3ff). The word baptize comes from the Greek word "baptizo" and literally means, "to dip, to immerse, to plunge." In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion is practiced because it was the practice of the first century church.  Only immersion conforms to the description of baptisms as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 where he speaks of it as a burial and resurrection.

One must have reached the "age of accountability" to be a candidate for baptism. It is pointed out that the examples given in the New Testament are always of those who have heard the gospel preached and have believed it. Faith must always precede baptism, so only those old enough to understand and believe the gospel are candidates for baptism.

...about confession?

Evangelists of the church have no special prerogatives. They do not wear the title of reverand or father, but are addressed simply by the term 'brother' as are all other men of the church.  Along with elders and others, they do counsel and advise those seeking help.  Biblical confession is in the context of a person's coming to know the truth and refers to his/her public declaration of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

…about prayers addressed to the saints?

God, the Father, is the only one to whom prayers may be addressed.  Christ stands in as a mediator between God and man (Hebrews 7:25). All prayers are offered through Christ or in the name of Christ (John 16:23-26).

…about eating the Lord's supper?

It is expected that every member of the church will assemble for worship on each Lord's day.  A central part of the worship is the eating of the Lord's supper (Acts 20:7).  Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly appointment as binding.  In many instances, as in the case of illness, the Lord's supper is carried to those who are hindered from attending the worship.

…about music used in the worship?

A capella singing is the only music used in the worship.  Singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments, conforms to the music used in the 1st century church and for several centuries thereafter (Ephesians 5:19).  There is no authority for engaging in acts of worship not found in the New Testament.  This principle eliminates the use of instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense, and other similar elements.

…about heaven and hell?

The statements of Christ in Matthew 25, and elsewhere, are taken at face value. It is believed that after death each man must come before God in judgment and that he will be judged according to the deeds done while he lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgment is pronounced, he will spend eternity either in heaven or hell.

…about purgatory?

There is no reference in scripture to a temporary place of punishment from which the soul will eventually be released into heaven.  The Bible teaches that death will seal a man's fate.

…about securing financial support?

Each first day of the week, the members of the church "lay by in store as they have been prospered" (1 Corinthians 16:2).  This free-will offering is the only call which the church makes. No assessments or other levies are made.  No money-making activities, such as bazaars or suppers, are engaged in.