THE BIBLE is our final authority (2
Peter 1:3). We have no supplemental creeds, manuals or councils to
interpret or dictate the meaning of Scripture, so churches of Christ
are "autonomous:" each is self-governed with no earthly headquarters,
for Jesus is the head of the church (Colossians 1:17).
Like the human body, various members of Christ's church function in
different, yet equally important areas of service (1 Corinthians
12:12-31). While the OLD TESTAMENT is valuable for our learning and
example (Romans 15:4;
1 Corinthians 10:6-11), the
OLD COVENANT was fulfilled at the cross and is superceded by the NEW
COVENANT of Christ (Galatians 3:23-29). As none can keep both the old
law and new (Romans 7:1-6); we look to the New Testament
today as our guide to salvation.
We
are saved by grace THROUGH obedient faith: GRACE could be likened to
God's hand reaching down to mankind, while FAITH may be illustrated as
man reaching up to accept God's grace. Also, the WAY of SALVATION is a
PATTERN that can be recognized and obeyed (Romans 6:17-18).
FAITH comes by HEARING God's Word (Romans 10:17) and is essential to
salvation (Hebrews 11:6). This BELIEF must be in God and in Jesus as
the Christ (John 8:24). One must realize his disobedience to God is
SIN (1 John 3:4) and REPENT (Luke 13:3).
A
penitent heart leads one to publicly CONFESS his faith in Jesus (Romans
10:10) and be BAPTIZED for the forgiveness of sin(Acts 2:38).
At baptism, the old man of sin is BURIED and the new Christian is
raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-4).
GOOD WORKS demonstrate our faith (James 2:24): so Christians must be
diligent in living and sharing the good news of Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16;
28:18-20).
