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Where In The Bible Will I Find... Emphasis Placed On The Right Church?
Gary Colley |
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While it is true that the devil and the world do not place emphasis on being members of the New Testament church, the Saviour of the world certainly does! Since it is in our utmost eternal interest to be saved and help others do the same, we emphasize Bible teaching on being members of the right church. Though it's often said that, "One can be saved outside as well as in the church," or "One church is as good as another," or "One can be saved and not be a member of any church," the Bible does not agree. Sometimes people think that members of the church of Christ are saying that one man-made church is as good as another. But if you listen closely, you'll find this isn't the case. We agree that one man-made church is as good as another, but the church you read about in the New Testament is not built by men's teachings, but by Christ's. (Matt. 16:13-19). After his resurrection, Jesus said, "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have said unto you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." (Matt. 28:18-20). Jesus paid for his church with his precious blood. (Acts 20:28). He neither authorized a denomination, nor purchased one with his own blood. Jesus adds all the saved (obedient) to his church, but never adds one to a denomination. (Acts 2:37-38, 41, 47). Men cannot change another's destiny by voting for or against him and no voting on church membership by men is authorized by Christ. Jesus knows his church from all others by what it's called, its worship and organization and the gospel plan of salvation it preaches. These have all been legislated by the King and he will accept no others. (Matt. 7:21-25). Jesus has promised to save his church—which is his body (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4; 5:23)—but promises to save no denomination. For these important reasons, we urge all to study, learn and obey Christ in the way the New Testament prescribes and become members of the church one can read about in the New Testament It is the only church in which Christ saves—not because we say so, but because Christ says so! (Matt. 10:32-33). |