Churches of Christ and Baptist churches share several important convictions. Both generally believe in the authority of Scripture, salvation through Jesus Christ, and the baptism of believers by immersion. The most significant difference is not the form of baptism, but its place in salvation.
Churches of Christ understand baptism as part of a believer’s conversion to Christ. Most Baptist churches teach that salvation occurs through faith before baptism and that baptism follows as a public expression of a salvation already received.
Because beliefs vary among Baptist congregations and associations, this comparison describes commonly held positions rather than attempting to speak for every Baptist church.
The Main Difference: When Is a Person Saved?
When the crowd at Pentecost asked what they should do, Peter answered:
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” ().
Ananias later told Saul, “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (). Peter also wrote that “baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you,” while making clear that its meaning is not the physical washing of the body but “an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” ().
Churches of Christ understand these passages to place baptism within conversion. In baptism, a believing and repentant person appeals to God, is united with Christ, and receives the forgiveness made possible by Christ’s death and resurrection.
Most Baptist churches understand the sequence differently. They teach that a person is saved when he or she places faith in Jesus. Baptism then follows as an act of obedience and a public picture of that salvation.
This does not mean churches of Christ believe baptism earns salvation. Scripture teaches that salvation is God’s gift, given by grace through faith—not a reward for human works (). Baptism cannot purchase forgiveness or make anyone deserving of it.
Paul described Christians as having been “buried with him in baptism” and “raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God” (). The believer submits in faith; God performs the saving work.
Both groups therefore affirm salvation by grace. The disagreement is more specific: Is baptism part of the faith response through which a person receives salvation, or is it an act of obedience that follows after salvation has already occurred?
A Second Difference: Can a Saved Person Be Lost?
Many Baptist churches teach the eternal security of the believer, often summarized as “once saved, always saved.” Although Baptist explanations differ, the general belief is that a person who has truly been saved will not finally lose that salvation.
Churches of Christ believe Christians must continue faithfully and can turn away from Christ. Paul warned:
“You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace” ().
Other passages warn believers against developing an unbelieving heart, drifting away, or becoming entangled in sin again (; ).
This belief is not intended to leave Christians in constant fear or deny the assurance found in Christ. It reflects an effort to take the New Testament’s warnings as seriously as its promises. God is faithful, but Christians are repeatedly called to remain faithful to him.
Names and Organization
Churches of Christ seek to identify themselves using biblical descriptions of Christ’s people. Paul wrote, “All the churches of Christ greet you” (). The phrase is intended to describe congregations belonging to Christ, not establish a denominational brand.
Churches of Christ have no earthly headquarters, governing convention, or organization exercising authority over every congregation. Each local church is self-governing and, when qualified men are present, is overseen by its own elders under Christ.
Baptist churches also place a strong emphasis on local congregational autonomy. Many voluntarily cooperate through associations or conventions for missions, education, and other shared work. Baptist groups also commonly use written statements of faith to summarize their understanding of Scripture.
Churches of Christ seek to use Scripture itself as the congregation’s sufficient standard of faith and practice rather than adopting a separate creed as an authoritative test of fellowship.
What We Hold in Common
It would be unfair to discuss only the differences. Churches of Christ and Baptist churches generally share belief in:
- The inspiration and authority of Scripture
- One God and Jesus Christ as his crucified and risen Son
- Salvation made possible through Christ
- The need for personal faith and repentance
- Baptism of believers by immersion rather than infant baptism
- Sharing the gospel and living as faithful disciples
Recognizing these shared convictions does not erase the differences, and explaining the differences does not require us to question another person’s sincerity.
How to Settle It for Yourself
The most important question is not which position feels more familiar, but which one best reflects the teaching of Scripture.
Read , , , , , and . Ask what baptism is connected with, what God does in it, and whether the New Testament places it before or after salvation.
The Bereans were commended for “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (). That remains the right approach.
Keep Studying—With Us, If You Like
At Memorial Church of Christ, we would be glad to study these differences with you from an open Bible. We will not ask you to accept a position merely because it is ours. Examine the passages, ask difficult questions, and allow Scripture to guide your conclusion.
Plan your visit — tell us you’re coming and we’ll be watching for you.
If you’d like to know what the Bible says about being saved, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9:00 am · Worship 10:00 am · Worship 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7:30 pm