Today's article will close out this series of studies on the various excuses men may offer to get out of obeying the gospel. It is my intent that these studies will help us to overcome those excuses and objections that they may do what is necessary to obey and be saved but I cannot guarantee success; that depends on the hearts of men. But let us ensure we are prepared when we hear these excuses, and be willing to give an answer that the excuses may be set aside and the objections answered in such a way that the honest heart will see the need to obey. Right along with this, we must teach everyone that we will be judged by the words of Jesus Christ, though some reject them (John 12:47,48).

    This week, let us consider another excuse, one that is directed at us, personally. While this excuse is personal, it should still be answered: ''You Church_of_Christers think you're the only ones going to heaven.'' Having heard this numerous times in my life, I must say that it has most often been said without justification, but is something they heard someone else say and so it was merely repeated without any evidence to support it. Back in Arkansas, I was surrounded and vastly outnumbered by people who were members of a couple of denominations, in particular, whose doctrines were contradictory to the Word of God. After years of facing brethren who were willing to point this out to its members, some of those individuals would no longer answer questions about their faith, but just charge faithful brethren with this statement, ending [in their minds] the discussion, or possible discussions.

    Whenever this charge is made, I ask in all earnestness, ''Why do you say that?'' [I really want to know!] From my own personal experience [I cannot answer for anyone else], I have only had one or two people actually give me a reason why they said it; the vast majority told me that it was something they heard from their preacher or another family member, and really didn't have evidence that anyone had that attitude. In cases like that, the answer is a little easier, but what about the few who believe they have a legitimate objection? What about those individuals who have actually met brethren who have this 'I'm going to heaven and you're not' kind of attitude when they attempt to teach others? Let's address both situations.

Answer #1: First, we must admit that there are some brethren who act arrogantly when they attempt to teach others and it certainly does appear like they are saying, ''I'm right and you're wrong.'' Can we all see how unproductive this attitude will be when we try to teach others? Even if it were true, who would listen? No one wants to have someone tell them that everything they have ever believed is wrong [even if it is true] and when we begin with that statement or attitude, they will not be interested in anything else we say from that point forward. Let us be careful that we are not presenting ourselves as 'know-it-alls' when we try to teach others the Word of God. Instead of saying ''I'm right and you're wrong,'' why not say instead, ''Let's see what the Bible says''?

    We should take to heart the words of Paul, who reminds us that we are to teach, but "to be gentle to all, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" (2 Tim. 2:24-26). Note that gentleness, patience, and humility are necessary characteristics! Peter adds, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15). Note that meekness and fear must go right along with our answers for our faith! Arrogance and fearlessness may be good for professional wrestling, but not in Bible study!

Answer #2: Now let us address the statement itself. Is it true that only 'church of Christers' are going to heaven? A more correct statement might be, ''You think only members of the Church of Christ are going to heaven.'' There are a couple of things that must be addressed in this objection.

    First, this statement arises from a misunderstanding of what the true 'church of Christ' is. It is not just another denomination of the thousands that now exist, as many mistakenly believe. While many congregations who are identified as 'churches of Christ' are very denominational in mind set and actuality [they see themselves as a denomination and those in denominations as 'their brethren'], the true 'church of Christ' is not part of anything -- it is the whole! Jesus said he would build His church [singular -- not plural; Matt. 16:18] and there is only one church since there is but one body (Eph. 4:4; Col. 1:18). The denominational concept of the church comes not from the mind of God, but from men. When we attempt to answer this charge by accepting human terminology, we do no one any favors, but continue to misinform and present the wrong idea about the church for which Christ died.

    Second, let us now address the basic premise of the question: Who is going to be saved? Does membership in a body of believers who call themselves a 'church of Christ' guarantee entry into eternal life? And what about 'good people in other churches'? Will anyone be saved outside the church of Christ?

    First, we must understand that membership in any local body of believers does not guarantee anything. Churches in the New Testament were comprised of both faithful members and those in error [Ex., Corinth and some of the seven churches in Asia], but each individual will be judged by his or her own deeds (2 Cor. 5:10).

    That said, what about those in other churches? Or, will anyone be saved outside the church? To answer that, let us ask some other questions: Does the Bible teach that those who do not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ will be saved? And, who makes up the true 'church of Christ'? Note first that the church is made up of the saved (Acts 2:47). That being true, no one could be saved outside the church -- the true 'church of Christ,' for there is no other. Only those who obey the gospel can be added to the church [the body of Christ], and only those in Christ will go to heaven (cf. 1 Thess. 4:13-18). Those who follow the doctrines of men and rely on the human creeds and traditions are not saved because they have not obeyed Christ. And could one really be said to be obedient to Jesus if he or she continues with those who teach and practice error? That is what the Bible says, and that is what we believe and teach.

    I am not the judge of who is or is not going to be saved, but I can tell you what the word of God says! Are you following that? Have you obeyed Jesus? If you want to go to heaven, you must be a part of His church. No excuses!