Is One Church As Good As Another?

Author : Tom Rainwater

One of the most popular religious beliefs today is that “one church is just as good as another.” The prevailing thought is that Christians exist in every denomination, hence every denomination is OK with God. Is this doctrine true? Is one religious group, no matter their beliefs and practices, just as good as another?

No One Really Believes ItThough this doctrine pretends to be all-inclusive and open-minded, the ones who proclaim it actually deny it in practice. Nearly everyone is repulsed by things he sees done in the name of religion. Some of the same people who claim “one church is as good as another” firmly denounce groups such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, and the Mormons. Others disapprove of certain Pentecostal groups for their bizarre behavior in worship. Even more condemn religious groups such as Heaven’s Gate, the Branch Davidians, and the Alamo Foundation. When a person finds just one church to which they object on doctrinal grounds, they have given up the belief that “one is as good as another.”

Inconsistent ArgumentsThe arguments commonly given to “prove” that God accepts all denominations are as follows:
(1) “I can’t believe God would send that many people to Hell.”
(2) “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.”
(3) “There are many different roads to Heaven.”

But let’s apply those same arguments to all those millions of sincere people who practice Hinduism, Islam, or Buddhism, and see what happens. What about those millions of Jews who sincerely believe that Jesus is not the Son of God, but an illegitimate child born of an immoral woman? (cf. Jn.8:24; 14:6). Do their large numbers and their sincerity qualify them as taking a different road to Heaven? You see, the arguments fall apart unless one is going to believe that God saves absolutely everyone, and we know that is not true. (Mt.25:41-46; Mk.9:43-47.)

When we examine the usual arguments for “one church is as good as another” in light of Scripture, we find the arguments are totally false. According to Jesus, the majority of people are going to Hell (Mt.7:13-14), even sincere religious people in error (Mt.7:21-23; 15:13-14). Sincerity is important in religion, but it alone cannot save, else Saul of Tarsus was saved while he sincerely believed he should persecute and kill Christians in the name of God (cf. Ac.26:9-11).

We only read of one way to Heaven in the Bible. Jesus said, “I amthe way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (Jn.14:16). “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Mt.7:14). Obviously Jesus has set a certain standard for entrance into Heaven. It is up to us to search His Word and find out what He wants us to do and submit to it.

The Wrong StandardsWhen it comes to making choices in religion, most people subjectively set their own standards for what is “good.” Some prefer one church (or group of churches) over another based on how friendly the people are, or on the attractiveness or proximity of the building, or on what recreational activities are offered, or if the preacher is interesting, or if their parents worshiped there, etc. In most cases, people are searching for what is pleasing or comfortable to them, rather than what is pleasing and acceptable with God.

The Right StandardGod’s Word must be our standard for evaluation. (Ac.17:11; 2Tim.1:13; 3:16-17.) We must ask, “Is this church following God’s Word in all they do and teach?” (cf. Col.3:17.) “Are they following God’s blueprint in the New Testament for their organization and work?” “Are they striving to be just like the New Testament church in the Bible?” If we do not ask these questions in evaluating a church, then we will err in our evaluation, and thus choose what pleases us rather than what pleases God.

It Matters What We BelieveThe people who advocate that “one church is as good as another,” must also affirm that “one belief is as good as another” since so many denominations believe so many different things. Is God satisfied with all the differences? Does He not care what we believe? Is it permissible to choose what beliefs we prefer to have?

Jesus was very specific about what He wants us to believe and do. Our salvation depends on it. (Rev.22:15). First, we must believe with all our heart that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (See Mk.16:16; Jn.3:16; 8:24; Ac.8:37; Heb.11:6) (Please get your Bible out and read all these verses, my friend.) We must confess that belief to others. (See Rm.10:9-10; Ac.8:37.) Also, we must repent of our sins. (See Ac.2:38; 17:30; 2Pt.3:9). That means we change our minds and resolve in our hearts to stop serving sin and to start serving Jesus.In addition, we must be baptized (immersed in water) into Christ for the remission of sin. (See Jn.3:5; Mt.29:19; Mk.16:15-16; Ac.2:38; Ac.8:12,36-38; Gal.3:27; 1Pt.3:21.) Then we must serve our Lord each day in continued faithfulness.

According to the passages, doing all those things results in salvation through forgiveness. The Lord was very specific in what He expects of us. If a religious group does not teach any or all of these as being part of our salvation, then you know that group is in error and teaching contrary to our Lord.

It Matters How We WorshipGod expected the Israelites in Old Testament times to worship according to the Law of Moses, and punished them when they did not. Likewise, God expects us today to worship Him according to the instructions of Jesus and His apostles in the New Testament. Do all churches today worship alike? Then what should we be looking for in a church? The answer: one who worships according to Scripture and not by the creeds of men.

The New Testament church did the following things is their public worship:

(1) Observed the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week as Christ commanded. (Mt.26:26-29; 1Cor.11:23-26; Ac.2:42; 20:7.)
(2) Preached and taught the Word of God. (Ac.2:42; 1Thess.1:8.)
(3) Prayed. (Ac.2:42.)
(4) Sang. (Eph.5:19; Col.3:16.)
(5) Gave on the first day of the week. (1Cor.16:1-2.)

If a religious group doesn’t do these things in worship or adds human traditions not authorized by God, then you know that group is in error and worshiping improperly. We should take it seriously because Jesus condemned beliefs and actions that are contrary to His standard. (Please read Mt.15:1-14; Gal.1:8-9; 2Thess.2:10-12.)

What About Churches of Christ?Some may respond to what we have written by asking, “So, you think only members of the Church of Christ are going to heaven?” I answer by saying that only those who do the will of Jesus will be saved. (Mt.7:24-27.) We are saved as individuals, and will be judged as individuals based on the way we live our lives. (2Cor.5:10.) The church does not save. Only Jesus saves. Please understand that Jesus adds the obedient to HIS church, not a man-made one. (Ac.2:47). Those who have been saved according to Jesus’ instructions have the obligation to meet together and worship God together as the saints did in the early church. (Ac.2:41-42; Heb.10:24-25.)

We wear the name “Church of Christ” because it is a Bible name used in the New Testament to describe local churches (Rm.16:16), and it expresses the truth that the Church is “of” (or “belongs to”) Christ. We do not follow any human creed nor have any earthly headquarters. We strive to follow only what God has revealed for us to do in the New Testament. Christ is our head, and we follow no other. (Eph.1:22-23).

Understand this: Just because a local church has a sign “Church of Christ” in front of it does not guarantee that the group is teaching or practicing the truth. Each congregation has the obligation to adhere to God’s instructions in doctrine and worship. Any group, including any calling themselves a “Church of Christ,” will be condemned if they forsake the Lord’s will. (cf. Rev.2:1-5.) If you believe we are doing anything contrary to the truth, please tell us. We only wish to do what is right, and if we are violating God’s word, we will repent and change.

Also consider this: Just because a person is considered a “member” of a “Church of Christ” somewhere doesn’t mean he is necessarily going to Heaven. God will judge each person according to whether or not he is obedient to Him. (2Cor.5:10.) And if a person does not truly live the life of a disciple, he will be condemned no matter his “church affiliation.”

Are You Ready To Be Saved?Friend, we hope you will carefully consider these things and look up the Bible verses to find the truth for yourself. If you’re ready to become a New Testament Christian and be added to the saved in the Lord’s Church, then please submit to the commands of Jesus Christ and follow Him. He died for you, and through His grace, He provided the way that you might believe and obey and be saved.

We would love to serve and worship God with you. Jesus is coming one day. Let’s be ready for Him together.