The Only Ones Going to Heaven

 I was born into the Church of Christ, so to speak.  My family were faithful members of the Sansom Avenue church of Christ in Gadsden, Alabama.  I attended various other congregations of the church of Christ well into my forties.  I guess it took me that long to study my way out and evolve, religiously speaking.

I’m going to give you my two religious views based on my earlier years and those of today.  In my youth I was taught that members of the church of Christ were the only ones going to heaven.  I was told the church had the true message of Holy Scriptures and we were the “ark” of the world.  Everyone else needed to come to us to be saved.  Members of the church didn’t consider themselves a denomination.  The argument was that we were not part of the church, we were the TRUE church of Jesus Christ.  Supposedly, our correct interpretation of scripture had moved us, not to the number one position, but the only position!

We were the only religious body who sang acapella (voice only), took the Lord’s Supper EVERY Sunday, and most importantly, the only religious entity that believed a person was saved at baptism.  That baptism had to be a complete immersion in water too, or it didn’t count.  If you were traveling on your way to be baptized, had a heart attack and died, you weren’t saved either!  Intention didn’t count in the eyes of most preachers.

We supposedly had the only proper scriptural organization as well.  There were Elders, who shepherded over the flock, and Deacons, who served the church in whatever capacity the elders required.  In reality, the Elders served as super-deacons.  I rarely saw them so concerned over non-attendees that they went out to urge their return.  Those lost sheep might get a “withdrawal” letter but little else.  As “those who watch over your soul” the elders actually were more of a “those who watch over your money”!

Deep down, I always had questions, but relied on the pat scriptural answers given me by the village elders/teachers/members.  Gradually, those answers just didn’t work any more.  I suppose the tipping point came after having children and joining a support group of homeschooling families.  I was very impressed with the religious attitudes of people who, in my earlier years, I would have said were lost.

After visiting a few Baptist churches, my perspectives completely rolled upside down.  I heard the same scriptures but with different interpretations.  I heard a focus on grace and love.  I discovered the importance of a belief in Jesus and that anyone dying on their way to be baptized, was okay!  I also heard about the security of a believer in Jesus.  God isn't angry all the time and we don’t bounce from saved to sinner by committing a sin.  I just don't believe it works that way.  

My personal belief is that we are here to learn, and practice what we've learned.  Then, when you fail again, you get another lesson and try harder.  We also shouldn't be so judgmental, especially as a young adult.  I'm getting close to seventy, so that is anyone younger than me.  We are all in different spectrums of growth.  The folks you get angry with have a lot more learning and practice to do, leave them alone for now.  

The different churches we attended have given me a unique perspective as I've gotten older.  For several years we attended The Church of the Highlands, a multi-campus mega-church.  I enjoyed it for a few years but became disappointed when several Pastors showed characteristics that, to me, were absolutely sinful.  There was just too much extravagance, among other things, that made us leave. We moved to Cullman, Alabama and visited some Highlands "look a likes", but the flashing lights and loud music was just too much.  God may be in an atmosphere like that, but it's hard to worship Him there.  

I see the Creator everywhere, in people, nature, and events.  He isn't overbearing in our culture.  There are no booming voices handing out rules, just quiet whispers about little things.  Those little naggings that encourage good and not evil.  Obviously, we will only know Him a little bit on this side of Heaven.  

Many of you don't believe He exists at all, I get that.  We've got children who haven't discovered the truth yet either!  That lesson is still coming... It's kind of like Chicken Pox.  The longer you wait, the harder the lesson.  My own life could have been better if I had learned some lessons quicker.  But it's okay, just use your time wisely.  As you grow older, life truly is a candle in the wind.

Hey, if you still attend a church of Christ, I urge you to break free.  Those chains come off easily and you’ll never regret leaving.  Just don't take the chains with you, they'll weigh you down!