No. We don’t claim to know who ends up in heaven and who doesn’t, because that decision belongs to God, not to any congregation. What we do believe is simple: Jesus built one church, the Bible is the standard for all who follow Him, and salvation is in Christ on His terms. We aren’t the judge of anyone. We’re people searching the Scriptures and trying to follow them honestly.
People ask this often, and there’s usually real hurt behind it, so it deserves the most honest answer we can offer.
Where the idea tends to come from
Many who ask have run into a caricature, or met someone from a church of Christ who sounded arrogant about it. We won’t pretend that reputation came from nowhere. But one person’s tone is not the same as what the Bible teaches or what faithful congregations actually believe.
The concern underneath is a fair one: does any group think it has God to itself? If a church taught that getting your name on its membership list is what saves you, that church would be mistaken. Salvation has never rested on a name on a building.
One church, not one brand
The New Testament describes the church as a single body belonging to Christ. Paul wrote that there is “one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (). So we do believe Jesus established one church, not a set of competing ones.
But look at who does the saving. Luke says that “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (). The Lord adds people to His church; we don’t. A person is saved by Christ and belongs to Him, not by joining our group. “The Lord knows those who are his” (). We respect that enough to leave the counting with Him.
Who actually decides who is saved?
Scripture is direct about this, and it keeps us humble. James writes, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (). Paul adds, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” ().
That means we’re in no position to draw the line around heaven. We can tell you honestly what the New Testament says about coming to Christ, and give you the same book to check us by. Where you stand with God is between you and Him.
Then why be so careful about the Bible?
If we’re not the judges, why care so much about following the New Testament closely? Because Jesus said following Him is more than a label. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (). And He is the only way to the Father: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” ().
So the carefulness isn’t about excluding people. It’s about taking Jesus at His word and inviting everyone to do the same. We would rather point you to the truth than soften it and mislead you.
You’re Welcome Here
If someone left you thinking a church of Christ believes it holds the only ticket to heaven, we understand why that would push you away. The better question is one you can study for yourself: what does the New Testament say about being saved and following Christ? If you’ve felt like something’s missing, the Church of Christ at South Bumby would love to walk with you through it and help you find your place.
Plan your visit — you’ll be welcomed, not put on the spot.
To see what the Bible says about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9:30 am, Worship 10:30 am
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7:00 pm
