Earlier we mentioned that the reason we must "walk right and talk right and sing right and pray right" in the traditional Churches of Christ is because of our view of justification. If righteousness is available to us only through our own co-operation and obedience to the commands and laws of God, then we must be fully obedient to them in order to be saved.

However, the New Testament tells us about another kind of righteousness that God provides as a gift. For example, the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3 about "not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is by faith in Christ -the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."

One final note

As we draw this section to a close, I would like to reiterate that most of the classic hymns embraced by evangelical Christianity  are going to be found in the traditional Church of Christ hymnals.

Of course someone may be inclined to ask that if the Churches of Christ actually teach "Pelagian" theology, why then would songs that teach the doctrine of justification by faith be accepted in their own hymnals?

And that's a good question.

And as one who has grown up in the Churches of Christ, the only answer that I can give is that the lessons these songs taught us were hidden from our eyes. After all, when you stop to think about it, the term 'justification by faith' never appears in any of the these well-known Christian songs and hymns:

Just As I Am
My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
Nothing But The Blood
'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

And yet, when we stop to consider the lyrics, clearly the implications of this doctrine are being taught.

3. The only life that will endure,
    Is one that's kind and good and pure;
    And so for God I'll take my stand,
    Each day I'll lend a helping hand.


   Life's evening sun is sinking low,
   A few more days and I must go.
   To meet the deeds that I have done.
   Where there will be no setting sun.

Each day I'll do a golden deed,
By helping those who are in need;
My life on earth is but a span,
And so I'll do the best I can.

To be a child of God each day,
My light must shine a-long the way;
I'll sing His praise while ages roll
And strive to help some troubled soul.

(Traditional/ Public Domain)

I'll Be List'ning

 1. When the Savior calls I will answer,
     When He calls for me I will hear;
     When the Savior calls I will answer,
     I'll be somewhere list'ning for my name.

*2. If my heart is right when He calls me,
     If my heart is right I will hear,
     If my heart is right when He calls me,
     I'll be somewhere list'ning for my name.

(Traditional/ Public Doman)

*3. If my robe is white when He calls me,
     If my robe is white I will hear,
     If my robe is white when He calls me,
     I'll be somewhere list'ning for my name.


     I'll be somewhere list'ning
     I'll be somewhere list'ning,
     I'll be somewhere list'ning for my name.
     (Repeat )

Hard Fightin' Soldier

 1. I am a hard fightin' soldier on the battle field (Repeat 3 times)
    (Chorus ) I keep on bringin' souls to Jesus, by the service that I give.

 2. I got a helmet on my head and in my hand a sword and Shield (Repeat 3 times)
    (Chorus ) I keep on bringin' souls to Jesus, by the service that I give.

*3. You've got to walk right and talk right and sing right and pray right
     on the battlefield. (Repeat 3 times)
     (Chorus ) I keep on bringing souls to Jesus by the service that I give.

    (Traditional/ Public Domain)

 1.




2.

Songs and hymns

I believe one of the best ways we can draw a contrast between the traditional Churches of Christ and evangelical Christianity is to compare lyrics of each view's beloved songs and hymns.

For although both views enjoy many of the same great Christian hymns that have become classics over the last few hundred years, the traditional Churches of Christ may be surprised to learn that some of their songs would actually be considered heretical in evangelical Christianity.

Now I realize that's quite an accusation to make. And may I say that I do not make it in a provocative, reckless, or cavalier manner.

But to demonstrate what I mean, let's take a moment to look at a few of the songs that should be easily recognized in the Churches of Christ, and then consider why they would not be accepted in evangelical Christianity.

At first glance we may not see anything amiss with this song. Certainly both the traditional Churches of Christ and evangelical Christianity believe that we are called to live holy lives that glorify God and that everyone must appear before God to give an account of their lives to Him.

However if we take a second look, we can also see Pelagian theology being taught in that -if we can just live a "good enough" life- we can expect to have a home forever in heaven. For unless you want to argue the phrase "and so for God I'll take my stand," no where does it ever refer to the righteousness that is found by faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Here again we can see Pelagian theology being taught in that 'if our hearts are right' we can expect to be called to our eternal home by the Savior. Again, there is no reference made anywhere to the only acceptable righteousness that is available from God though faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Our problem is that our hearts and robes aren't white. Scripture tells us that man is a sinner, that we all fall short of His glory and approval, and that all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.

Which, of course, is why we are in need of a Savior.