Church Members

Ephesians 5:30 – “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.”

Are you a Church member? If not, you are lost and need to be saved. “Hold on there, Mr. Preacher,” I hear you say, “I don’t go for that! Belonging to a Church has nothing to do with obtaining salvation.” Well you’d better change your mind. Paul says that all believers are Church members.” He says, “WE ARE MEMBERS” of Christ’s body, and that body is the Church. In Colossians 1:18 we read, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Also in Ephesians 1:22, 23 we read, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The word “Church” is used in two ways in the Bible: one referring to a local gathering of believers and the other to the universal, mystical Body of Christ, consisting of all believers in this age of grace. There is no salvation outside of Christ. Membership in a local Church does not save you, but belonging to Christ does! Briefly stated then, heartfelt acceptance of the Savior, with complete reliance on His grace, puts you into “the Church” which is His body.”

It is well to remember, however, that once we are believers and members of that true Church, the Body of Christ, we will earnestly seek to be identified with other born-again believers in their corporate worship. In this way we can observe the ordinances and receive instruction in righteousness. It also gives a place to bring our unsaved friends, relatives and neighbors that they may hear the gospel and be saved. We shall also want to join with others of like precious faith in prayer, assisting the needy, and fostering a missionary program. If you do not desire to gather with other believers of Christ’s Body in a local assembly, you had better examine yourself to see if you are “if the faith.”