The church of Christ was founded by Christ; it is not a denomination founded by men nor is it a part of any religious organization founded by men or that follows or believes in man-made creeds.
The Bible speaks of but one church, the church of Christ (Ephesians 4.4, Colossians 1:18). The church of Christ is a church that follows the New Testament examples of Christ’s church – the church that Jesus established and died for; a church that belongs to Christ. It originated in Heaven in the mind of God and was set up on earth in the city of Jerusalem on the first Pentecost, following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord (Ephesians 3:8-11; Acts 2). Members of the church of Christ plead that all believers in Jesus Christ heed His prayer for unity and become one in his blood-bought body, the church (Numbers 17:20-21; Ephesians 4:4-6; and Acts 20:28). The foundation of the church of Christ is Jesus, Himself! “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 3:11). A building is only as strong as its foundation. The same is true of a church. If a church is built upon a man or a human creed, it will fall. Only Jesus Christ has a right to build a church for He alone is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
The designations used by the church of Christ are only those which are found in the New Testament for the church and its members. In Acts 11:26, we read that “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Members of the church honor Christ by wearing this divinely given name. In Romans 16:16 we read “The churches of Christ greet you.” Christ said, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). The name “church of Christ” simply means that the church belongs to Christ for He is its purchaser and builder. Salvation is found only in the name of Christ (Acts 4:11-12).
