MUST WE BE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT?

Jim Laws

The religious climate today is one filled with choices religiously. We are indeed a diverse people, when it comes to the matter of religion. The religious scene in modern America is one faced with the continued growth from those of other nations. Consequently, their religious views have come with them causing the continued proliferation of new religious positions. For instance, there is the continued growth of such religions as Islam, along with the growth of Buddhists and Hindus in America. There is the rise of mystical cults and such religions as the New Age Movement. This growth of non-Christian religions in America is in addition to the existence of denominationalism. Then take a moment to consider modern day denominationalism with its liberalism. With denominationalism as it is today, there are times when it is hard to see any stand for the truths of the Bible. Denominationalism has compromised the basic teachings of God's word in its efforts to be accepting of others religiously. There is even among many what might be termed a "no church" movement in that they see the appeal the life of Christ has, yet they don't want to be a part of any organized body of people religiously. In effect they want to say, "Yes to Jesus," but "No, to His church."

Therefore, the church of the Lord faces the problem and the challenge of religious pluralism in the 21st century. This problem of such a wide religious diversity, which we face from the world, is not necessarily new but is perhaps unparalleled in its scope. In light of the great religious diversity that we face, which seems to be every growing, is it really necessary that one be a member a one particular church? To ask it another way, Can one objectively insist that there is one church that God has in mind for man in light of all the religious ways that seem to compete for the minds of men? The consequences of this consideration are far reaching for us in that they affect our homes, our children, and the very society in which we live, as well as our eternity. What is the Christian's response to these matters to be?

What do we mean by "the Church?"

The answer to our question for consideration will be more easily seen when we understand exactly what is meant by the term "the church." As you begin to consider the matter of "church" you naturally run into the problem of denominationalism. The reason for this is that people are so use to thinking in such terms. In fact, many are hard pressed to think in any other way when it comes to the matter of religion. I am not now nor have I ever been interested in becoming a member of a denomination. On the other hand I am now and I have always been interested in the church you read about in the New Testament. I have always been interested in learning more about the lives of first century Christians. I want to know more about what they believed, how they lived, the problems they faced and how they overcame them. The reason for this should be obvious, they were members of the church Christ established the same church that Peter, James, John, Paul and so many others were members of and devoted their lives to. This church is the one worth knowing about and as we shall learn from the scriptures has such an important part to play in my eternity.

Briefly stated, the Greek term ekklesia appears in the New Testament more than one hundred times. It is generally translated into English by the word "church." Literally, it means "the called out" or "assembly." It is important to notice that when the New Testament uses this term it is referring to people. For instance, in Acts Luke tells us that the Lord added the saved to the church (Acts 2:42). It is clear here that he was referring to those who had been obedient to the gospel, he was referring to people. When others had heard of what happened to Ananias and Sapphira how that they had lied to God the Holy Spirit, "fear came upon the church" (Acts 5:11). Fear came upon the people (the church) and not buildings. In describing the persecution of Saul the scriptures state that "As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison" (Acts 8:3). Saul was making trouble for the church; he was seeking out the members, arresting them and putting them in jail. The church of the New Testament was and is today composed of people, people who have obeyed the gospel message.

Further, the church you read about in the scriptures was not an afterthought, nor was it the product of mere men. It was and is divine in its essential nature. This can be seen by the promise Jesus made to his disciples to build his church (Matt. 16:13-20). As you study the Scriptures you begin to see just how important this passage is regarding the divine nature of the New Testament church. Matthew 16:18 states, "And I say also unto thee, That thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus, in prophetic fashion, is saying that the church will be built upon this great truth, which Peter has just confessed, that truth being, that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God (v. 16). Further, the church Jesus is referring to in this instance is also identified as the kingdom (v. 19). Jesus would often use this term, kingdom, and phrases like it such as kingdom of God, and kingdom of heaven, which illustrates the divine nature of the church Jesus came to build. In other words, the church or kingdom Jesus came to establish is spiritual in its nature having no geographic boundaries as a mere earthly kingdom would have. This spiritual kingdom or church would be the rule of God in the hearts and the mind of men. In studying the scriptures you find that it does not matter who you are, where you are or what you have been in the past. When you accept the rule of God in your life by an obedient faith to his divine commands, then you are a part of the church you read about in the Scriptures. Therefore, in keeping with what Jesus came to do, we see that He promised to create His own group of people who have been called the called out, the church.

But Is It Truly Necessary To Be In The Church You Read About In The New Testament?

The answer to that is Yes, and though there are many passages that teach us this fact, a brief look at one will be sufficient to prove this to us. As you read through the book of Ephesians you see the very high estimation that God has given the church of the New Testament.

First, Paul makes clear that Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22). For Paul to say that Christ is the head of the church is to say that he exercises divine authority over it. As Paul states it, he is "the head over all things to the church" that is, he is over all things "in the interest" of the church. Therefore one has an explicit reference to the rule of Christ over the church and his rule is always in the best interest of it. What that means is that he and only he has the divine authority to legislate for the church. Every well reasoning person understands the importance of authority in all of life. We must have authorization for what we do religiously to be pleasing in the sight of God. Christ is that authority (Col. 3:17). The difference between the church of the Lord and the denominational world is reflected in the fact that the church recognizes and respects the authority of Christ, as well as the divinely delegated authority given to inspired apostles and writers of the New Testament, and the denominational world does not. The New Testament is the expression of God's will for man and man is strictly forbidden to go beyond the things that are written in the Scriptures (1 Cor. 4:6). We are for bidden to preach any other gospel than that which was preached (Gal. 1:8,9). Salvation is to be found in the church that recognizes and respects Christ as the head and authority of the church.

Second, the church is described as his body (Eph. 1:23). Not only does the bible make reference to Christ being the head of the church but the Bible also makes reference to the church as being a body. In referring to the church Paul put it this way, "Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all" (v. 23). Christ is the head with the members of the church being the body all being under the direction of Christ. Paul states in 1 Cor. 12:27, "Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof." There are several important concepts that come from this analogy. For instance, from the analogy of the body there is the concept of the members being under the headship and authority of Christ. Then there is the concept of there being so many Christians yet unified in work, purpose, worship and mission. There is the concept of working together for the fulfillment of the wishes and direction of the head (Christ). There is the concept of our mutual concern one for the other. There is the lesson of the equality and importance of each of the members of the body. You can see by this that if one is to be in Christ, by implication one must be in the church that belongs to Christ, the church of Christ.

Third, one's addition to the church can be seen as essential when you see that the church was in God's eternal purpose and plan before the world began (Eph. 3:10-11). Ephesians chapter three describes the fact that God had a purpose in mind for man that purpose being, the salvation of man and the glorification of God through the church. Paul states here that God, the Christ, the church and salvation are inseparably linked together. It is the church that demonstrates to the heavenly realm the great wisdom of God in all its many facets (v. 10). God brought this about according to his eternal plan and that Jesus Christ was at the center of bringing these divine plans to reality (v. 11). It is because of Christ and what he did that we may come to God with confidence and faith (12).

Fourth, one's addition to the church is essential as it is through the church that God is glorified (Eph. 3:21). Take a moment to carefully consider Paul's point in this passage. As Paul states it, "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus." In the midst of a passage that encourages the child of God that He is able to do what we ask, relating to us something of just how powerful God is, Paul tells us that God is glorified in his church and that this will continue throughout all the ages. Therefore, it is by this means that man glorifies and honors God, by his addition to the church by faithful obedience.

Fifth, Christ is the head of the church and the savior of the body (Eph. 5:23). Ephesians 5:23 states, "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." It has been established that the church is the body of Christ and that Christ is its head, referring to his divine authority over the church. In addition to this Paul states explicitly that Christ is the savior of his body, the church. This is in stark contrast to the ever-popular denominational slogan, "Accept Jesus as your own personal savor." When asked what to do in dealing with sin many denominational preachers will simply have you recite such, however, this phrase does not appear in the Scriptures. Even though Paul does state that Christ loved him and died for him (Gal. 2:20) which, expresses the great love and tremendous sacrifice of Christ for every sinner, yet at the same time the Bible explicitly teaches that Christ is the savor of the body, which is the church (Col. 1:18). Potentially, the grace of God is made available to all men (Titus 2:11, 12). In reality all men will not accept or properly appropriate the grace of God, taking advantage of its saving benefits (Matt. 7:13-14; 21). The Hebrew writer states that Christ saves all those who obey him (Heb. 5:8-9). Therefore, As Jesus is the savor of the body, the church, all men must be in the church to be saved from sin and receive the blessings God has in store for them.

Sixth, the essential place God has given the church in man's salvation can be seen in the fact that Christ loved the church so much that he gave himself for it (Eph. 5:25). In helping us understand the love and inestimable value given to the church in God's scheme of things, Paul writes about the love Jesus has for it in terms of a husbands love for his wife. Paul says, "Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church." He goes on to say in the verse that Christ "gave himself for it." The point being that the death of Jesus on the cross had the church in view; he was dying for the church. Acts 20:28 states, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with is own blood." When one begins to see that the church of the New Testament had the love and affection of the Christ then one begins to see just how important the church really is to God and should be to us. Keep in mind that the church is made up of people, Jesus died for people and not buildings.

Seventh, the purpose of Jesus was to present a glorious church (Eph. 5:26-27). Jesus sanctifies and cleanses the church with the washing of water by the word. In other words, his desire regarding the church is to make a holy people who have been set aside and purified for service. This has been done by the power of his word. His desire for the church is that it mot have spot or wrinkle (faults) and be without blemish (flaws).

Eighth, Jesus nourishes and cherishes the church (Eph. 5:29-30). Paul once again expresses in a vivid way Christ's care for his church. Even as we care for our own bodies in a similar fashion Jesus cares for and has concern for the church. The word "nourish" means to feed, clothe, nurture, and look after (ektrephei). The word "cherish" (thalpei) means to hold ever so dear within the heart; to treat with warmth, tenderness, care, affection, and appreciation.

In verse 30 Paul explains that we as members of the church a close and intimate relationship with Christ. He does this by referring to the matter of being "members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." Such language reminds one of Adam's statements regarding Eve (Gen. 2:23). It expresses the closest of kinship one with the other. Paul's use of such a phrase also expresses this close relationship. Obviously, it is not a literal relationship as in the case of Adam and Eve as she was literally taken from Adam's side. However, members of the body of Christ are referred to as having this close kinship because of the spiritual relationship we enjoy being members of the church.

What a difference it would make if we all had this nourishing and cherishing attitude toward the church of the Lord as the Lord does. It would truly make a difference if we understood the fact of this new relationship that now exists between the obedient and Christ. It would motivate the sinner to consider his spiritual condition causing him to repent and obey the gospel by being baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27,28). It would help sluggish saints over come their apathy and become the vibrant servants that the Lord intended them to be. It would motivate elders to truly put the kingdom of God first in their decision-making processes. It would result in the church becoming the active force for good influencing each community for what is right.

SUMMATION

It has been shown that the Bible teaches that the church is a body of people who have been "called out of darkness into the marvelous light of Christ" (1 Peter 2:9). It is a spiritual body housing all the saved (Acts 2:47). This church, of which the Bible speaks, can be positively identified. Its unique marks and doctrinal features are distinct being plainly set forth in the New Testament. Its divine makeup can be easily distinguished from the every growing field of religious systems being born of mere human means. God only needed one church. He knew that all men could be saved in that one church. So, as the Scriptures teach (Matt. 16:18) he built only one church.

This research has concerned itself primarily with the biblical teaching that it is God's will that all men be added to the church you read about in the Scriptures. Such a study proves the essential nature of the church in God's plan to save man from sin. As Paul states, " We have been reconciled both unto God in one body," as the church is that body. It is "the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15), that all those who have been obedient to the gospel of Christ are added to it (Acts 2:47). Since the church is the body and Christ is the savior of the body then one must be a member of his spiritual body, the church in order to receive forgiveness.

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