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My Notes on a
Baptist Publication


From the book, The Truth about the "Church of Christ", by Hugh. F. Pyle, Sword of the Lord Publishers, 1977.

        Mr. Pyle listed, what he called, "Eight of their biggest heresies." (page 9) Here are the eight:

1. SALVATION BY WORKS RATHER THAN BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
        
        A. Because of the trend among the denominations, we have responded. Perhaps we have "over-taught" the need to obey.

        B. There are some who still preach salvation by works.

        C. Do not judge all by a few. I do not teach salvation by works. I do teach that faith will lead one to obey.

2. BAPTISMAL REGENERATION - SINS ACTUALLY REMITTED IN THE WATERS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BAPTISTRY.

        A. "In the waters of the Church of Christ baptistry." This is an untrue statement. The location is of no importance. It could take place in the "waters of a Baptist Church baptistry." Rivers, creeks, farm ponds, whirlpools, and bathtubs have all been used.

        B. "Regeneration" means "life again." Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 3:1; 2:12; Gal. 6:15; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:22-24

        C. Titus 3:5 "washing of regeneration"

3. THAT ETERNAL LIFE IS NOT ETERNAL; THAT A BORN-AGAIN SOUL CAN LOSE HIS SALVATION AFTER ALL.

        A. Eternal life IS eternal. The fact that a man can or cannot lose that promise, does not change the length of eternity.
        B. Study Simon.
                1] Mk. 16:16 - Believe + Baptism = Salvation
                2] Ac. 8:13 - He believed + baptized = saved
                3] Ac. 8:20-23 - Later lost that promise


4. THAT THEY HAVE A MONOPOLY ON SALVATION - THAT THEY ARE THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE CHURCH.


5. THAT ONE CANNOT KNOW IN THIS LIFE THAT HE IS SAVED.

        A. I John 5:13 teaches the opposite.
        B. One CAN KNOW that they are saved. This does not change the possibility of rejecting that which one has and living in rebellion to God.

6. THAT THEIR CHURCH HAS THE ONE AND ONLY BIBLE NAME.


7. THAT CHRISTIANS MUST TAKE THE LORD'S SUPPER EVERY SUNDAY TO BE SCRIPTURAL.


8. THAT TO WORSHIP WHERE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IS USED IS SINFUL AND DISOBEDIENT TO THE LORD.


He further said that "they (members of the churches of Christ) cannot discern bewteen:

  1. Salvation and rewards
  2. Churches and the church
  3. The church and the kingdom
  4. Relationship and fellowship
  5. Faith and works
  6. Backsliding and apostasy" (p. 11)

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