For your information, this is a second mission statement for simplybible.com.au that summarises some of the principles behind the saying, "Simply Bible, Simply Christians". In churches of Christ, and thoughout this website, we try hard to follow these principles because we believe them to be the will of God.
We strive to be true believers in the true church, and to lead others into this faith and truth which comes from Christ (Jhn 14:6).
We must never imagine that we have the last word on Biblical truth and we must be ready to let others test our views by the scriptures (1Th 5:21). The Bereans were commended for searching the scriptures to test the truth of what was being preached to them (Acts 17:11 ).
We are simply Christians so that we may better promote unity and fellowship among all believers. This bond of loving fellowship is inviolate (Eph 4:1-7).
We must try to help one another apprehend the way of the Lord and his word more perfectly (Acts 18:26). Christ never changes (Heb 13:8), but we change as we grow in him. We forbear with one another in mistakes, and misunderstandings as we try to reach agreement on what the scriptures teach.
Christ never started any denomination or encouraged anyone to belong to one, therefore neither do we. We are not determined to be the only Christians, but we are determined to be Christians only. His church is our only church, and his headship our only authority (Col 1:15-20).
We know that we can receive every grace, and share the full blessings of Christ with others, by simply belonging to Christ, and not by belonging to a denomination (Eph 1:3).
Believing what God has given is perfect, we endeavour to add nothing to it and to take nothing from it lest we render it imperfect (Rom 12:2-3, 2Tm 3:16-17).
If we take nothing from what God has given, we shall lack nothing that pertains to life and godliness (2Pe 1:3).
If we add nothing to what God has given, we shall hold nothing with which to divide God's people (Jhn 17:21-23).
If we refuse all denominational names, and simply wear the name "Christian" we glorify God in a name designated by him (Isa 62:2, 1Pe 4:16, Act 11:26).
If we refuse all creeds and use only the scriptures, we shall be wise unto salvation, hold the sword of the Spirit, and sow the seed of the kingdom (2Tm 3:15, Heb 4:12, Mtt 13:19).
The good confession is made with the authority and acknowledgment of Christ, and that is good enough. No man-made confession of faith can be as good or even good at all (1Tm 6:12, Lke 12:8)
If we replicate the church established circa AD30 and follow the ideal pattern of the original church "beginning at Jerusalem", we shall be the church of Christ, not one of the denominations whose origins were much later and therefore too late (Lke 24:46-49).
If we use the blueprint of the true church then we shall inherit its title deed, and so shall all who do likewise (Eph 1:1-23).
If we preach only the gospel of Christ then we preach the power of God for salvation. If we preach a different gospel, we shall be accursed (Rom 1:16, Gal 1:8-9).
