plan of salvation church of christ

3 min read 01-12-2024

The Church of Christ, a non-denominational Christian movement, emphasizes a straightforward approach to salvation rooted in the Bible. Their understanding of the plan of salvation centers on the grace of God, received through faith in Jesus Christ and demonstrated through obedience to His teachings. This article will explore the key components of this plan as understood within Churches of Christ.

The Gospel: Good News of God's Grace

The foundation of the Church of Christ's plan of salvation is the Gospel – the good news of God's love and provision for humanity. This good news isn't about earning salvation through works, but receiving it as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ. This emphasizes God's grace, His undeserved favor extended to us.

Key Components of the Gospel Message:

God's Love: God's immeasurable love for humanity is the driving force behind the plan of salvation. He desires a relationship with each individual.
Humanity's Sin: All people have fallen short of God's glory, separated from Him by sin. This separation necessitates a reconciliation.
Christ's Sacrifice: Jesus Christ, God incarnate, lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on the cross to atone for humanity's sins, and rose again, conquering death.
Repentance and Faith: Genuine repentance, a turning away from sin, combined with faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is essential to receive God's forgiveness.

Steps to Salvation: A Biblical Perspective

Churches of Christ often outline the steps to salvation based on biblical accounts and teachings. These steps are not a formula, but a description of the process of receiving salvation.

1. Hear the Gospel (Romans 10:17)

First, one must hear the Gospel message. This can happen through preaching, personal testimonies, or other means of communicating the good news.

2. Believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24; Acts 16:31)

Next, a person must believe the message of the Gospel—believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again. This is not simply intellectual assent but a wholehearted trust in Jesus.

3. Repent of Sins (Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10)

Repentance involves a turning away from sin and a commitment to live a life pleasing to God. It's a change of heart and mind, leading to a change in actions.

4. Confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10)

Confessing Jesus as Lord involves publicly declaring one's faith in Him. This outwardly demonstrates the inward transformation of the heart.

5. Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4)

Baptism, for Churches of Christ, is an outward symbol of the inward change. It's a burial of the old life and a resurrection to new life in Christ.

The Ongoing Journey: Living the Christian Life

Salvation isn't a one-time event but the beginning of a lifelong journey of following Christ. Churches of Christ emphasize the importance of continued growth in faith and obedience.

Living a Life of Obedience:

Prayer: Consistent communication with God through prayer is vital.
Bible Study: Regular study of the Bible provides guidance and nourishment for spiritual growth.
Fellowship: Joining with other believers in the church strengthens faith and provides support.
Service: Serving others is an important expression of love and gratitude for God's grace.

Conclusion: Grace and Obedience

The plan of salvation in Churches of Christ is a blend of God's grace and human response. It's not about earning salvation through good works but receiving it as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ, followed by a life of obedience and service. This understanding emphasizes the importance of both grace and discipleship in the Christian life. It’s a journey of faith that begins with repentance and belief and continues throughout life, fueled by the Holy Spirit. The goal is to live a life pleasing to God, reflecting His love to the world.