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WHAT IS THE "INSTRUMENTAL CHURCH OF CHRIST?"

by Robin W. Haley

Having come out of the First Christian Church, I feel I am somewhat aware of the multitude of differences between that denomination and the Lord's church. My parents were a part of that organization and thus, my brothers and sisters and myself were raised in that following. Actually, my people were members in name only and it was not until I was 17 that I became more involved with that group.

I was elected as a deacon at the age of 18 (not married, no children), and was placed in charge of various fellowship gatherings between the First Christian Church and the other denominations in town for Easter and Christmas programs. I did my job well in that I and my good friend (another 18 year old deacon) were selected to go to the area Youth Conference held in Cincinnati, Ohio. So effective were we in our duly appointed roles that even the Methodist CYF invited me to go as observer to their annual Youth Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Then one night while working in a gas station, a man from a local church of Christ gave me a tract to read. In the wee hours of the morning, I read that tract, took it home and re-read it with my Bible and realized much of my error! I began that week to ask many questions of the trustees and "elders" of the First Christian Church. So varied were the answers (not one from the Bible), that I decided to take it to "the top!" It was in "Reverend" Kelly's office, when in answer to one of my questions he closed my Bible and said in effect, "That does not matter," that I knew that I was not in the church of which I read in the New Testament. It took some searching, but I found the Lord's church and was added then to their number.

If you have stayed with me thus far, I would like to make an observation just here: those brethren who use such foolish language as the title indicates really ought to study again (1) what the Lord's church really is; (2) what the difference is between it and the Christian Church denomination! It is the essence of denominationalism to speak of the "instrumental church of Christ." It makes about as much sense, Biblically, to speak of the Islamic church of Christ, the Methodist church of Christ, the atheistic church of Christ, etc... Where in all of God's word do we find "brands," "strains," or "branches" of the church of Christ? There is no such thing! When a group of Christians (thus, a church), ceases to walk within the borders of that "new and living way" (Heb. 10:20), how can they still be considered as the Lord's church? This is not to say they are not brethren, but they are without doubt brethren IN ERROR! Many of those in the ranks of the Christian Church are not even Christians. They have failed to be born again, (Jn.3:5) , to be washed with water by the word (Eph. 5:26) and to be obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).

The LORD'S church DOES NOT use instrumental music. The LORD'S church DOES NOT believe in Methodism. The LORD'S church IS NOT Pre-millennial, anti-cooperative and on and on we could go, ad infinitum! Let us hear the end of such sectarian talk as is evident in the various "unity (union) meetings." Let us cease parroting the misguided and misleading terms as "Restoration Heritage," "Founding Fathers" (meaning Campbell, Stone, O'Kelly and others). I am NO PART of a "branch" of some Restoration Movement. Rather, I have found the truth as revealed in God's Word and have obeyed THAT FORM OF DOCTRINE, not some doctrine of man. I do not belong to some church or branch of movement that is rooted in a movement of men. Rather, I belong to Christ and He has added me to His church.

Brethren, let us abandon this foolish talk that has helped to lead many into thinking of the Lord's church as merely a denomination. Let us "speak as the oracles of God" (I Pet. 4:11). If a Christian ceases to walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7), and leaves the teaching of the Lord (Acts 13:12), then he has fallen away (Heb. 6:4-6), and has no part nor portion in God, for his heart is not right (Acts 8:21). Would this not also be true of an entire congregation of Christians, a "church"? If they cease abiding in the doctrine of Christ, do they still have God? (2 Jn. 9).

What is the "instrumental church of Christ?" Who knows?!? It certainly IS NOT found in the Bible. Since this is the case, it certainly is NOT from God and is therefore sinful!

--Robin Haley labors for the Lord in Scott City, Kansas