“COMMON SENSE QUESTIONS A "CHURCH OF CHRIST" PREACHER CANNOT CLEARLY ANSWER” martin/martin_church-christ.html

The "Church of Christ" teaches that "obeying the Gospel" includes being baptized in water in order to be saved. If this is true, then how is it that the converts of Acts 10 were saved by faith before and without water baptism? The Bible says in Acts 5:32 that only those who obey God may receive the Holy Ghost – so what did those in Acts 10 do to obey and receive the Holy Ghost and be saved? In the light of Acts 10:34-48, Acts 11:14-18, and Acts 15:7-11, how can anyone honestly believe that water baptism is necessary to salvation? Simon Peter said their hearts were "purified by faith" (Acts 15:9) and that we are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ like they were (Acts 15:11); that is, before and without water baptism! We know that unsaved people do not receive or have the Holy Spirit (John 14:17; Romans 8:9). We know that the Holy Spirit is given only to those who have believed on Christ (John 7:39). We know that the Holy Spirit seals the believing sinner the moment he puts his faith and trust in Christ as Savior, before he is ever baptized in water (Ephesians 1:12,13). How does the warped theolgy of Campbellism explain away these clear passages of Scripture without "muddying the waters" of truth and drowning its members in eternal damnation?

 In Acts 10, Cornelius and his household received Holy Spirit baptism. Acts 10:44-46  They were saved by hearing the words of the gospel, not by receiving the Spirit. Acts 10:6, 11:13-15, Romans 1:16

 Their hearts were "purified by faith," not by the reception of the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:9, Romans 10:17  They were granted "repentance unto life;" they did not receive life by receiving the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. Acts 11:18

 They were baptized in water. Acts 10:47  Their baptism in water was "in the name of the Lord”. Acts 10:48  Baptism in the name of the Lord is "for the remission of sins.” Acts 2:38; 10:48; 19:5 They received forgiveness when they heard, believed, repented, and were baptized "in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."

We are saved "by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ like they were.“  Hear the gospel. Acts 10:6, 11:14  Believe. Acts 10:43  Repent. Acts 11:18  Baptized in water for the remission of sins. Acts 10:47-48, 2:38

If the reception of the Spirit before they were baptized in water proves they were saved before they were baptized, they were also saved before they had faith.  Faith comes by hearing the word of God. Romans10:17  Those in Acts 10 were to hear words whereby they would be saved. Acts 11:14  Peter spoke to them that they might believe. Acts 15:7  The Spirit fell "as I (Peter) began to speak.” Acts 11:15

Great Commission  Performed by men. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16  Baptism in water Acts 8:35-39 Ephesians 5:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 1 Peter 3:20-21  For all men until the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

Spirit baptism  Performed by Jesus Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. John 1:33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’  Promised only to the apostles. Acts 1:1-8 Fulfilled in Acts 2.

It would be impossible to discuss all the false doctrines of the "Church of Christ" in this small article. If you have a particular question not dealt with here, or need clarification on the issues discussed, contact us via or at the phone number or address listed. We will provide you with sane, sensible and scriptural answers to your Bible questions.

 Believe - John 8:24  Repent – Luke 13:3  Confess – Romans 10:9-10  Be Baptized – Mark 16:16  Be Faithful – Revelation 2:10