Think You are the Only Ones?

Introduction

1. Common question – Do you think you are the only ones going to heaven?

2. Are you the only ones who will be saved?

3. Some ask out of derision. Some are sincere.

Some basic truths

1. God wants all to be saved – 1 Timothy 2:4; John 3:16

2. Jesus died for all men to be saved – John 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

3. Grace is for all men – Titus 2:11

4. Heave has room for all men – Revelation 21:11-27

5. God knows who are His – 2 Timothy 2:19

6. Jesus – not any man or church – will judge on the last day – John 5:22

7. Scripture is open to all to read, understand and obey – John 5:39; Hebrews 5:9

8. God has drawn the circle.

   1. Some make the circle too big.

   2. Some make the circle too small

What does His Word say?

1. The body of Christ will be saved – Ephesians 1:3, 7

2. The church will be saved – Acts 2:41, 47

3. The church of God / of the living God will be saved – Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:5, 15; Ephesians 3:8-10

4. The church of the firstborn / of Christ will be saved – Ephesians 5:25-27

5. The phrases – body of Christ, church, church of God, church of Christ – refer to the same group.

   1. These terms do not refer to different groups – but the same group

   2. This is the church – universal

   3. Church is used 117 times in the NT – used in three ways

      1. Universal – the church Jesus purchased with His blood

      2. Local – a local congregation – Ephesus, Corinth, Phillipi, etc.

      3. Assembled – communion is in the assembly of the church

6. Back to the question:

   1. IF “Church of Christ” = a denomination – NO

   2. IF term applies to those in the body of Christ – YES.

   3. Stay out of denominations.

   4. Stay in the body of Christ and you will be saved.

   5. Who is going to heaven? Those who believe and obey the Bible.