The ICOC (International Churches of Christ) have been growing and changing in a major way over the past 10 years. One of the bigger things we have changed is no longer claiming to be the “one true church” (which we never officially did).  A few weeks ago I posted a survey is in order to reveal just how much our membership’s beliefs may have changed in this area.

The first question was the most basic and easy to answer (I think).  Do you believe only members of our churches are true Christians? This question is very relevant because it was what our church has been accused of over and over: thinking we are the only Christians.

Some clarification is necessary.  First, most of the respondents were members of our congregation (Turning Point Christian Church in Los Angeles), but also included some current members of our sister churches around the world.   Second, this is not a scientific poll, notwithstanding, there were over 100 responses, so it is a good sampling of our membership.

Well, is it true?  Do we think we’re the only ones?  You decide based on the results.  I’ll tell you what I think below.

Are We the Only Christians?

These results are amazing!  90% of our members would say that we are not the only Christians.  23% of them do not believe they have ever met a true Christian outside of our Church, but they do believe they exist.  A full 66% (2 out of 3) would say unequivocally that we are not the only Christians. I think this is huge progress in the past 7 years.  Obviously I can’t be sure, but I think it is safe to say that if we asked this question 7 years ago, the results would have been very different.

My personal stance is that any church who thinks they are the only ones God would consider a “true church” are in grave danger of arrogance and downright foolishness.  In fact, the hallmark of most cults is that they claim to be the only true believers.  Far be it from us.  I thank God that we have grown in this area.

That being said, I wonder what our membership actually believe in regards to salvation.  I will post the next question: Do you believe only people who hold to our plan of salvation (hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized) are true Christians? and its surprising answers, in a few of days.  Stay tuned.

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