Question from a WordTruth.Com friend:

>>>  I grew up in a Baptist church but my wife grew up in a Church of God. What differences are there in the beliefs of these two denominations?  Would it be wrong for me to leave the Baptist church to attend the Church of God with my wife?
 

WordTruth.Com Response:

Great question ... I am glad you are asking the question and seeking godly advice.  It is an important issue for your marriage.  Regarding the beliefs of these two Christian denominations, I think that a couple of helpful places to review on the web include the following:
 

Explanation of Beliefs for:	Web Address:
Church of God	http://www.churchofgod.cc/the_church_of_god_is.cfm
Southern Baptists	http://www.sbc.net/bfm/default.asp
Baptists in general	http://www.baptist.org

I believe it was Augustine said, "In essentials, unity.  In non-essentials, liberty.  In all things, charity."  As far as the essentials of the faith -- the Trinity, the deity and humanity of Christ, sinful nature of man, atoning death of Christ for our sins, justification by faith, bodily resurrection of Christ and His second coming -- both denominations are usually orthodox in their beliefs.  As with any association of churches, there are some that hold either the "Baptist" or "Church of God" label but are out in left field (theologically speaking).  So it is always important to examine the doctrine of any individual church in the area of the essentials.

That is not said to minimize the importance of non-essential doctrines.  Just keep in mind that we should never break fellowship with another Christian simply because we differ in teaching about baptism, gifts of the Holy Spirit, church organization, inter-church cooperation, etc.

The mainstream Church of God has much in common with Baptists in the area of authority and infallibility of Scripture, priesthood of believers, centrality of Christ for the church and individual.  At the same time, Baptists differ with the Church of God in the area of eternal security, baptism of the Holy Spirit, and a few other areas.

I think the most important thing is for you and your wife to prayerfully seek the LORD's will in finding the SAME church in which to worship and serve God.  Meet with pastors of both church denominations, share your concerns, and ask them for guidance concerning the core church beliefs.  Don't just take their word for it.  You and your wife set aside time to study together the distinctives of each church.  The LORD will surely lead you to a church in either of these denominations that aligns closely with the Bible, exalts the LORD Jesus Christ, and offers a place where you can minister in the name of Christ according to the unique areas of giftedness He has provided you.  Unity in your marriage is the basic design from the beginning, as our LORD Jesus said:

Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning "made them male and female," and said, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"? (Matthew 19:4-5, NKJV)

The "one flesh" relationship goes far beyond the physical.  It speaks of the joining of two lives around a one faith in the LORD Jesus Christ.  It speaks of two lives with one set of life goals.  It speaks of a man and woman putting aside their self-will and committing their time, talents, and energy into one family unit.  Your choice of churches is a critically important foundation for your "one flesh" relationship and your family life as a whole.

By the way, my personal choice of churches has been Southern Baptist.  However, I have many godly brothers and sisters that are members of a local Church of God.  I do not think you would be "wrong" to attend one or the other unless the church you attend fails to teach the essentials of the faith.  And that would be wrong for anyone.

May God bless you with His wisdom and the courage to follow Jesus!

Randy Lariscy :-)
Director - WordTruth Ministries
 

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