Church of Christ · Philippines 1901
What We Believe.
Why We Believe It.
Our beliefs are not inherited from any human founder or denominational council. They are drawn from one source alone — the New Testament of Jesus Christ.
"If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God."
Our Foundation
The Bible speaks.
We simply follow.
The Church of Christ holds no creed but the Bible, no name but Christ's, and no head but Jesus. Every doctrine we teach, every practice we observe, traces directly to the pages of the New Testament. We invite you to examine these beliefs not against our word, but against God's.
Core Doctrines
Eight Pillars of Our Faith
The Bible as Sole Authority
2 Timothy 3:16–17We accept the Bible — both Old and New Testaments — as the inspired, infallible Word of God. However, the New Testament serves as the complete and final law for the church today. We speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where it is silent.
No human creed, council, or tradition stands above Scripture. The New Testament is our blueprint for worship, doctrine, and daily living. We reject any teaching not grounded in the Word of God.
One God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19We believe in one God eternally existing in three persons: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man — born of a virgin, crucified for our sins, raised on the third day, and ascended to the right hand of the Father.
The deity of Christ is central to our faith. He is not merely a teacher or prophet — He is the Son of the living God, through whom alone salvation is made possible (John 14:6).
The Church Christ Built
Matthew 16:18 · Ephesians 1:22–23Christ promised to build His church, and He did so on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). That church bears no human founder's name. We are simply "the church of Christ" — members of the one body He purchased with His own blood.
We do not believe denominationalism reflects God's plan. The New Testament knows only one church — unified in faith, doctrine, and name. We strive to be that church, nothing more and nothing less.
Baptism for the Remission of Sins
Acts 2:38 · Romans 6:3–4We teach that baptism — specifically immersion in water — is essential to salvation. It is the point at which God forgives sins and adds the believer to His church. Baptism is not a work of merit, but an act of faith and obedience.
Peter commanded on Pentecost: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). We take this command literally and seriously. Sprinkling or pouring does not fulfill the New Testament pattern.
The Lord's Supper Every First Day
Acts 20:7 · 1 Corinthians 11:23–26We partake of the Lord's Supper — unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine — every Sunday, the first day of the week, as the early church did. This memorial commemorates the body and blood of Jesus Christ and proclaims His death until He comes.
The frequency of communion is not a matter of preference but of New Testament example. The church at Troas "came together on the first day of the week to break bread" (Acts 20:7). We follow that pattern.
A Cappella Worship
Ephesians 5:19 · Colossians 3:16Our worship in song is voice-only — no mechanical instruments. The New Testament authorizes singing and making melody in the heart to the Lord. We do not add instruments because God did not command them in New Testament worship.
This is not tradition but conviction rooted in the principle of speaking where the Bible speaks. The New Testament specifies "singing" — we believe adding instruments goes beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Repentance and Faith
Mark 16:16 · Acts 3:19Salvation requires genuine faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and repentance — a turning away from sin. Faith without repentance is incomplete. Repentance without faith has no foundation.
We believe in God's grace and the finished work of Christ on the cross. At the same time, the New Testament consistently calls believers to respond: to believe, repent, confess, and be baptized. These are not ways of earning salvation but of receiving it.
Christian Living and Holiness
1 Peter 1:15–16 · Romans 12:1–2As followers of Christ, we are called to live holy lives — set apart from the world, transformed by the renewing of our minds. This includes moral purity, love for one another, and a commitment to the Great Commission.
We are not saved by our works, but we are saved unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). The Christian life is one of daily surrender, prayer, service, and growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Name Above All Names
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Acts 4:12
Common Questions
Questions People Ask
Q.Are you Protestant or Catholic?
Neither. We are simply Christians — members of the church Christ established, predating all denominational divisions. We follow the New Testament alone, not the traditions of any human religious movement.
Q.Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
Yes. We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. Today, the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God to convict, convert, and sanctify believers.
Q.Why no instruments in worship?
The New Testament authorizes singing. We follow the principle of Bible silence as prohibition — if God did not command it in New Testament worship, we do not add it. This is a matter of reverence for God's authority.
Q.Is baptism really necessary for salvation?
We teach what the New Testament teaches: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Baptism is where faith and obedience meet God's promise of forgiveness.
Q.Can I visit without being a member?
Absolutely. All are welcome to worship with us. We would love the opportunity to open the Bible with you and let God's Word speak for itself.
Study With Us
Don't take our word for it.
Open your Bible. Read the passages we've referenced. Test every doctrine against the Scriptures, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). We believe the truth stands on its own — and we welcome every honest question.