The Christian Student Equipper: Scriptures Taken out of Context by the SFCoC

The Christian Student Equipper: Scriptures Taken out of Context by the SFCoC The JESUS!Ministry Equipper:
Scriptures Taken out of Context by the SFCoC

The JESUS!Ministry Equipper:
Scriptures Taken out of Context by the SFCoC

Scriptures Taken out of Context by the SFCoC

Forward The following is a table that suppliments the article, "The San Francisco Church of Christ" which is a part of the International Churches of Christ led by Kip McKean.
Warning: This current web page may not print well and is for visual purposes. If you need its information in a printable format, please refer to the The San Francisco Church of Christ article instead.
These are scriptures that are taken out of context with the purpose of converting any non-ICOC individual to their church. You will see how scripture has been taken out of context by the ICOC in order to coerce Christians out of their own churches to join the International Churches of Christ, even if it means disobeying their parents wishes to do so.
We receive many complaints from members of International Churches of Christ members who don't necessarily read this carefully. You may not have witnessed this scripture manipulation yourself because your discipler did not have to go to such an extent to "convert" you. Please do not be offended but open your eyes to the truth!

PART 1 - "You must read the Bible daily in order to be saved."

1 Timothy 4:16 - Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. SFCoC Interpretation: "We have to study the scriptures every day. Because if we don't, we won't be saved." The ICoC uses this to place emphasis on reading the Word; failure to do so will mean loss of salvation. Correct Interpretation: In 1 Timothy 4:16, the word "saved" used here in the original Greek means "preserve" as in Acts 2:40, "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save (preserve) yourselves from this untoward (perverse) generation." Thus 1 Timothy 4:16 is not about losing your salvation if you don't read the Word daily. Rather, it is about preserving yourselves from the evil of the world, by washing daily in the water of the Word (Eph. 5:26).

Act 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. SFCoC Interpretation: "These people (the Bereans) searched the scriptures every day. We must to if we want to be saved." Correct Interpretation: The Thessalonians were setting a good example based on their zeal towards God and their hunger for the Word. However, there is no wording nor mention in Acts 17 that the Thessalonians were doing it so that they could avoid damnation and hell!
Let's examine the context. Paul arrives in Thessalonica in Acts 17:1. In vs. 2-3, he reasons with the Thessalonians through the old scriptures (our Old Testament today) how Jesus Christ fulfilled Messianic prophecies. He was truly the Messiah!
In vs. 5-9, a group of Jews who did not believe Jesus was the Messiah persecuted the house of Jason who were probably Paul and Silas' hosts. In vs. 10-15 those who loved the Lord helped Paul escape further persecution by way of escape. Paul and Silas (vs. 10-11) then encountered the Bereans - Jews who were more noble than the Thessalonians.
In v. 12, many believed. Paul expounded the scriptures as in Thessanolica. The Bereans took it a step further; wanting to see the scriptures for themselves. Their reward was that they believed Jesus was truly the Messiah (v.12) because they saw for themselves that He did fulfill scripture prophecy.

John 12:48 - He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. SFCoC Interpretation: "If we reject Christ's words, i.e. do not read the Bible daily, God will judge us on the last day." Correct Interpretation: Only within the context of the scripture passage, in one regard, this is true. Jesus was appealing to people that He was the Messiah of scripture, but they would not believe him. Jesus therefore warned of the impending judgement for rejecting the Messiah. Therefore, to use this scripture to justify, "If you don't read the Bible daily you will not be saved" is taking this scripture somewhat out of its context.
Let's examine that context. In John 12:28-30, God speaks from heaven to Jesus for the sake of the people around Him. In vs. 31-33, he related what death He would die. In vs. 35-41, He said he was like light that was going to shine among them only for a moment longer. In vs. 37-40 He explains Isaiah's prophecy, that despite so many miracles, they would not believe that Jesus was the Messiah they were waiting for. In vs. 44-48 Jesus reiterates that He is the Messiah long awaited for, but He has come to us as Savior. If we reject Him and his words, He will return later as Judge.

PART 2 - "You must do good works to be saved."

Philippians 2:12 - Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. SFCoC Interpretation: "You have to work for your salvation." If you are not actively doing the work of God, you are going to go to hell. "Faith without works is dead." Correct Interpretation: The scripture here says "work out" - not "work for" your salvation - meaning that now that you already have your salvation, make good use of it by doing good works. The wonderful truth about working out your salvation is found in the following verse: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure." So as you are doing good works directed by God, God works in you and to His glory and His perfect will! What a far cry from spending a lifetime trying to earn your salvation and not knowing until the day you die if you've done a good enough job!

Matthew 15:1-9 - Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to [his] father or [his] mother, [Itis] a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. [Ye] hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men. SFCoC Interpretation: "It's good that you speak like a Christian and you speak about God. But you don't mean it in your heart, like in verse 8. Also, this passage basically teaches us to put God above your parents." Correct Interpretation: In actuality, the scripture passage is talking about obeying commandments of God, not man-made traditions, because traditions of men often circumvent around the requirements of the commandments of God.
Let's examine the context. In vs. 3-6, Jesus pointed out the scribes and Pharisees would rather tithe a gift to the temple rather than help out their own parents - hiding behind religoius tradition to justify something contemptable to God, who commanded "Honor thy father and thy mother." Jesus pointed this out as hypocrisy. Therefore, this scripture in itself is not talking about honoring God above our parents. However, when we do honor God above our parents, God gives us a greater love and obedience towards them.
Be careful here with what the SFCoC is saying. By providing this interpretation to their converts, they are condoning rebellion to their parents if their parents do not wish to have them continue their relationship with this cult!
In v. 8, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me." The reason behind God's saying this was v. 9: "... in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines (of God) the commandments of men." Therefore, it is not right to use this scripture passage to condemn someone who loves the Lord, "You speak about God but don't mean it in your heart" unless that person has substituted traditions of men for God's own doctrines.

James 2:17 - Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. SFCoC Interpretation: "You must be doing good works if you want to be saved. It's no use if you have faith, because faith without works is dead." Correct Interpretation: This scripture is not justification that good works is a prerequisite for salvation. Otherwise, it would contradict Ephesians 2:8-9 which says "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Therefore, for anyone to say, "I'm going to heaven because I've done these good works" is building not on God's grace but the boasting of his/her own works. Even if you could work your way into heaven, are you every going to be truly good enough? God in His mercy wants to set us free from the rat-race of wasting a lifetime in uncertainty wondering if we'll ever be good enough for God. It's not rat-race, it's grace! We cannot earn righteousness by doing good works. It is a gift from God (see Romans 4:4-8).
Let's examine the context of the scripture. Verses 5-7 says, "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." Isn't it wonderful to know that God loved us so much he sacrificed Jesus for us on the cross to make us righteous? God knew our good works would never earn us a place, because our righteousness are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Now our good works aren't for earning a place in heaven, but for a higher purpose: to glorify God!

PART 3 - "You must be baptized in order to be saved."

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. SFCoC Interpretation: "You must repent and be baptized in order to be saved. Because we're the only church that believes this and is doing it, every other church is going to hell." Correct Interpretation: Consider Luke 23:42 in which the thief nailed to the cross next to Jesus at Calvary said, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." Jesus replied, "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Jesus fully received this thief into heaven, not because this thief was water baptized, but that in his heart, he believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. (Certain cults believe "paradise" is hell. There is no evidence supporting this. The scripture context was "when thou comest into thy kingdom." Surely Jesus' kingdom is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 3:2)) Other cults say Jesus here was making an exception to the rule. God has never made exceptions in the Bible. He did not bend the Law to save us; He sent His Son to take on the punishment of the Law that was against us. In fact, Jesus said, in Matt. 5:17, that he had not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill it.

Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. SFCoC Interpretation: "Mark 16:16 says if you don't repent and are not baptized, you are going to hell." Correct Interpretation: Mark. 16:16 says, "... but he that believeth not shall be damned." However, it does not say "he that is baptized not shall be damned." What damns a person is that he "believeth not." The scripture simply does not say that if you are not baptized you are going to hell in any place in the Bible. If salvation is based on our actions of works to get us saved, Isaiah 64:6 says that our rightousness are as filthy rags. Please see Part 2 entitled "You must do good works to be saved."

1 Peter 3:21 - The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: SFCoC Interpretation: "1 Peter 3:21 shows us that water baptism is a prerequisite to salvation; you must be baptized, because water baptism saves you." Correct Interpretation: Does water baptism save? According to 1 Peter 3:21, water baptism is for the removal or putting away of the filth of the flesh (Romans 6:1-4). But this in itself does not save! What saves is the answer (or "pledge"), first, of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus. Once you've done that, you are water baptized, if you do it so as to die your self and your former life, it helps you conquer sin (Romans 6:7) and rise in newness of your new life (Col. 2:12). Therefore regarding "repent and be baptized" as in Acts 2:38, the "repent" is pledging a good conscience towards God - this saves you; "be baptized" is putting to death the sin nature and rising in the newness of life with Christ.

"Our church is the only true Church."

Romans 10:1-2 - Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. SFCoC Interpretation: "Other churches may be sincere, but sincerity does not equal truth. We believe in the truth. If there's anything in the Bible, we're doing it. Other churches have the zeal, but not according to knowledge." Correct Interpretation: If we examine the verses just before Romans 10:1, we will see the true context of this scripture (starting from Romans 9:30):

Romans 9:30. What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10:1. Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

Apostle Paul was saying that Israel followed the Law to the very letter, but they did not attain righteousness as a result from following it to the letter, because they did not seek after it by faith, in that when the Giver of righteousness Himself whom the Law pointed to, they rejected Him! Thus the Law which was meant as a stepping stone to righteousness became a stumbling stone. Ironically, the Gentiles who did not follow the Law to the letter received right standing with God instead, because they had eyes of faith and saw Jesus Christ as the true God who gives righteousness to those who believe in Him!
Thus this passage is talking about, not rejecting the Law itself, but the Son of the God of the Law. In Romans 10:2, Paul's heart really goes out to the Jews, because they are spending a lifetime obeying the law and doing good works to earn God's favor, but now Righteousness Himself has come to freely give them right standing before God if they would have faith in Him, but they rejected Him and are still zealously following the law.
It is therefore not appropriate to use this scripture passage and judge nor condemn other churches to say that other churches do not compare with your own, and that they do not know what they are doing. For in using this passage to judge and condemn, Romans 2:1 applies: "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."

James 2:18 - Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. SFCoC Interpretation: "Other churches may say they have faith, but are they doing anything. We the San Francisco Church of Christ are doing everything in the Bible." Correct Interpretation: We see the true reason of combining works with our faith. In vs. 15-16, if someone is naked or starving, how can we show them God really loves them if you don't actually do anything to demonstrate it? In vs. 18-19, a personal, private belief is not enough to convey God's love to a perishing generation. In examining this context, we find we are to examine ourselves, not judge other churches.
James 4:11 says. "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge." Thus, in judging and invalidating other churches, could the San Francisco Church of Christ fall under the verdict not being a doer of the law but being a judge?

Acts 8:26. - And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. SFCoC Interpretation: "You can be sincere, but not saved. Here, the eunuch was sincere, but was he really saved? No." "Our church we're saved because we're doing everything the Bible says to do. Churches that are not doing everything in the Bible are not going to be saved. They may be sincere, but the people there are really not saved." Correct Interpretation: The statement that you can be sincere, but really not saved is correct. But let's examine the context of the scriptures.
"Understandest thou what thou readest?" asked Philip. The Eunuch loved the Lord and came to Jerusalem to worship Him (v. 27). However, he did not understand the scroll on Isaiah (Esaias). Philip continued from there, using the scriptures of Isaiah to preach about Jesus Christ. The Eunuch believed with all his heart and was baptized (v. 36-37).
True, like the Eunuch who read the scriptures, he did not understand them (vs. 30-31) but once explained to him, his eyes openeed up, and he accepted Jesus as Lord and was baptized.
But the heartbeat of this scripture lies in v. 37, when the Eunuch, after not only seeing Jesus Christ in the scriptures but also recognizing that he fulfilled scripture, said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Because the heartbeat of this passage is one of mercy and grace, it would not be right to use this scripture in judgement of other people.

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PART 1 - "You must read the Bible daily in order to be saved."
1 Timothy 4:16 - Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.	SFCoC Interpretation: "We have to study the scriptures every day. Because if we don't, we won't be saved." The ICoC uses this to place emphasis on reading the Word; failure to do so will mean loss of salvation.	Correct Interpretation: In 1 Timothy 4:16, the word "saved" used here in the original Greek means "preserve" as in Acts 2:40, "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save (preserve) yourselves from this untoward (perverse) generation." Thus 1 Timothy 4:16 is not about losing your salvation if you don't read the Word daily. Rather, it is about preserving yourselves from the evil of the world, by washing daily in the water of the Word (Eph. 5:26).
Act 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.	SFCoC Interpretation: "These people (the Bereans) searched the scriptures every day. We must to if we want to be saved."	Correct Interpretation: The Thessalonians were setting a good example based on their zeal towards God and their hunger for the Word. However, there is no wording nor mention in Acts 17 that the Thessalonians were doing it so that they could avoid damnation and hell! Let's examine the context. Paul arrives in Thessalonica in Acts 17:1. In vs. 2-3, he reasons with the Thessalonians through the old scriptures (our Old Testament today) how Jesus Christ fulfilled Messianic prophecies. He was truly the Messiah! In vs. 5-9, a group of Jews who did not believe Jesus was the Messiah persecuted the house of Jason who were probably Paul and Silas' hosts. In vs. 10-15 those who loved the Lord helped Paul escape further persecution by way of escape. Paul and Silas (vs. 10-11) then encountered the Bereans - Jews who were more noble than the Thessalonians. In v. 12, many believed. Paul expounded the scriptures as in Thessanolica. The Bereans took it a step further; wanting to see the scriptures for themselves. Their reward was that they believed Jesus was truly the Messiah (v.12) because they saw for themselves that He did fulfill scripture prophecy.
John 12:48 - He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.	SFCoC Interpretation: "If we reject Christ's words, i.e. do not read the Bible daily, God will judge us on the last day."	Correct Interpretation: Only within the context of the scripture passage, in one regard, this is true. Jesus was appealing to people that He was the Messiah of scripture, but they would not believe him. Jesus therefore warned of the impending judgement for rejecting the Messiah. Therefore, to use this scripture to justify, "If you don't read the Bible daily you will not be saved" is taking this scripture somewhat out of its context. Let's examine that context. In John 12:28-30, God speaks from heaven to Jesus for the sake of the people around Him. In vs. 31-33, he related what death He would die. In vs. 35-41, He said he was like light that was going to shine among them only for a moment longer. In vs. 37-40 He explains Isaiah's prophecy, that despite so many miracles, they would not believe that Jesus was the Messiah they were waiting for. In vs. 44-48 Jesus reiterates that He is the Messiah long awaited for, but He has come to us as Savior. If we reject Him and his words, He will return later as Judge.
PART 2 - "You must do good works to be saved."
Philippians 2:12 - Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.	SFCoC Interpretation: "You have to work for your salvation." If you are not actively doing the work of God, you are going to go to hell. "Faith without works is dead."	Correct Interpretation: The scripture here says "work out" - not "work for" your salvation - meaning that now that you already have your salvation, make good use of it by doing good works. The wonderful truth about working out your salvation is found in the following verse: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure." So as you are doing good works directed by God, God works in you and to His glory and His perfect will! What a far cry from spending a lifetime trying to earn your salvation and not knowing until the day you die if you've done a good enough job!
Matthew 15:1-9 - Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to [his] father or [his] mother, [Itis] a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. [Ye] hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.	SFCoC Interpretation: "It's good that you speak like a Christian and you speak about God. But you don't mean it in your heart, like in verse 8. Also, this passage basically teaches us to put God above your parents."	Correct Interpretation: In actuality, the scripture passage is talking about obeying commandments of God, not man-made traditions, because traditions of men often circumvent around the requirements of the commandments of God. Let's examine the context. In vs. 3-6, Jesus pointed out the scribes and Pharisees would rather tithe a gift to the temple rather than help out their own parents - hiding behind religoius tradition to justify something contemptable to God, who commanded "Honor thy father and thy mother." Jesus pointed this out as hypocrisy. Therefore, this scripture in itself is not talking about honoring God above our parents. However, when we do honor God above our parents, God gives us a greater love and obedience towards them. Be careful here with what the SFCoC is saying. By providing this interpretation to their converts, they are condoning rebellion to their parents if their parents do not wish to have them continue their relationship with this cult! In v. 8, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me." The reason behind God's saying this was v. 9: "... in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines (of God) the commandments of men." Therefore, it is not right to use this scripture passage to condemn someone who loves the Lord, "You speak about God but don't mean it in your heart" unless that person has substituted traditions of men for God's own doctrines.
James 2:17 - Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.	SFCoC Interpretation: "You must be doing good works if you want to be saved. It's no use if you have faith, because faith without works is dead."	Correct Interpretation: This scripture is not justification that good works is a prerequisite for salvation. Otherwise, it would contradict Ephesians 2:8-9 which says "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Therefore, for anyone to say, "I'm going to heaven because I've done these good works" is building not on God's grace but the boasting of his/her own works. Even if you could work your way into heaven, are you every going to be truly good enough? God in His mercy wants to set us free from the rat-race of wasting a lifetime in uncertainty wondering if we'll ever be good enough for God. It's not rat-race, it's grace! We cannot earn righteousness by doing good works. It is a gift from God (see Romans 4:4-8). Let's examine the context of the scripture. Verses 5-7 says, "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." Isn't it wonderful to know that God loved us so much he sacrificed Jesus for us on the cross to make us righteous? God knew our good works would never earn us a place, because our righteousness are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Now our good works aren't for earning a place in heaven, but for a higher purpose: to glorify God!
PART 3 - "You must be baptized in order to be saved."
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.	SFCoC Interpretation: "You must repent and be baptized in order to be saved. Because we're the only church that believes this and is doing it, every other church is going to hell."	Correct Interpretation: Consider Luke 23:42 in which the thief nailed to the cross next to Jesus at Calvary said, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." Jesus replied, "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Jesus fully received this thief into heaven, not because this thief was water baptized, but that in his heart, he believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. (Certain cults believe "paradise" is hell. There is no evidence supporting this. The scripture context was "when thou comest into thy kingdom." Surely Jesus' kingdom is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 3:2)) Other cults say Jesus here was making an exception to the rule. God has never made exceptions in the Bible. He did not bend the Law to save us; He sent His Son to take on the punishment of the Law that was against us. In fact, Jesus said, in Matt. 5:17, that he had not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill it.
Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.	SFCoC Interpretation: "Mark 16:16 says if you don't repent and are not baptized, you are going to hell."	Correct Interpretation: Mark. 16:16 says, "... but he that believeth not shall be damned." However, it does not say "he that is baptized not shall be damned." What damns a person is that he "believeth not." The scripture simply does not say that if you are not baptized you are going to hell in any place in the Bible. If salvation is based on our actions of works to get us saved, Isaiah 64:6 says that our rightousness are as filthy rags. Please see Part 2 entitled "You must do good works to be saved."
1 Peter 3:21 - The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:	SFCoC Interpretation: "1 Peter 3:21 shows us that water baptism is a prerequisite to salvation; you must be baptized, because water baptism saves you."	Correct Interpretation: Does water baptism save? According to 1 Peter 3:21, water baptism is for the removal or putting away of the filth of the flesh (Romans 6:1-4). But this in itself does not save! What saves is the answer (or "pledge"), first, of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus. Once you've done that, you are water baptized, if you do it so as to die your self and your former life, it helps you conquer sin (Romans 6:7) and rise in newness of your new life (Col. 2:12). Therefore regarding "repent and be baptized" as in Acts 2:38, the "repent" is pledging a good conscience towards God - this saves you; "be baptized" is putting to death the sin nature and rising in the newness of life with Christ.
*"Our* church is the only true Church."**
Romans 10:1-2 - Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.	SFCoC Interpretation: "Other churches may be sincere, but sincerity does not equal truth. We believe in the truth. If there's anything in the Bible, we're doing it. Other churches have the zeal, but not according to knowledge."	Correct Interpretation: If we examine the verses just before Romans 10:1, we will see the true context of this scripture (starting from Romans 9:30): Romans 9:30. What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:1. Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Apostle Paul was saying that Israel followed the Law to the very letter, but they did not attain righteousness as a result from following it to the letter, because they did not seek after it by faith, in that when the Giver of righteousness Himself whom the Law pointed to, they rejected Him! Thus the Law which was meant as a stepping stone to righteousness became a stumbling stone. Ironically, the Gentiles who did not follow the Law to the letter received right standing with God instead, because they had eyes of faith and saw Jesus Christ as the true God who gives righteousness to those who believe in Him! Thus this passage is talking about, not rejecting the Law itself, but the Son of the God of the Law. In Romans 10:2, Paul's heart really goes out to the Jews, because they are spending a lifetime obeying the law and doing good works to earn God's favor, but now Righteousness Himself has come to freely give them right standing before God if they would have faith in Him, but they rejected Him and are still zealously following the law. It is therefore not appropriate to use this scripture passage and judge nor condemn other churches to say that other churches do not compare with your own, and that they do not know what they are doing. For in using this passage to judge and condemn, Romans 2:1 applies: "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."
James 2:18 - Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.	SFCoC Interpretation: "Other churches may say they have faith, but are they doing anything. We the San Francisco Church of Christ are doing everything in the Bible."	Correct Interpretation: We see the true reason of combining works with our faith. In vs. 15-16, if someone is naked or starving, how can we show them God really loves them if you don't actually do anything to demonstrate it? In vs. 18-19, a personal, private belief is not enough to convey God's love to a perishing generation. In examining this context, we find we are to examine ourselves, not judge other churches. James 4:11 says. "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge." Thus, in judging and invalidating other churches, could the San Francisco Church of Christ fall under the verdict not being a doer of the law but being a judge?
Acts 8:26. - And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.	SFCoC Interpretation: "You can be sincere, but not saved. Here, the eunuch was sincere, but was he really saved? No." "Our church we're saved because we're doing everything the Bible says to do. Churches that are not doing everything in the Bible are not going to be saved. They may be sincere, but the people there are really not saved."	Correct Interpretation: The statement that you can be sincere, but really not saved is correct. But let's examine the context of the scriptures. "Understandest thou what thou readest?" asked Philip. The Eunuch loved the Lord and came to Jerusalem to worship Him (v. 27). However, he did not understand the scroll on Isaiah (Esaias). Philip continued from there, using the scriptures of Isaiah to preach about Jesus Christ. The Eunuch believed with all his heart and was baptized (v. 36-37). True, like the Eunuch who read the scriptures, he did not understand them (vs. 30-31) but once explained to him, his eyes openeed up, and he accepted Jesus as Lord and was baptized. But the heartbeat of this scripture lies in v. 37, when the Eunuch, after not only seeing Jesus Christ in the scriptures but also recognizing that he fulfilled scripture, said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Because the heartbeat of this passage is one of mercy and grace, it would not be right to use this scripture in judgement of other people.