WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE
CHURCH OF CHRIST
God has not left it to the judgment of the individual as to what is right and wrong in religion; nor has he given men a choice in regard to what church they belong (as so many declare).
Jesus came into this world to establish his kingdom, which is his church/body (Matthew 16:18-19; Mark 9:1). There is “one body...one faith” (Ephesians 4:4-5). The one body is identified as the “church” (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). Jesus is the saviour of the body (Ephesians 5:23). Do you think he will save any other body than his? He said he wouldn’t in Matthew 15:13, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, SHALL BE ROOTED UP!” Don’t you want to be in the Lord’s church, the body of the saved?
God has certain principles and laws that must be obeyed: “Forget not my law” ... “Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye” (Proverbs 3:1; Proverbs 7:2). Sin is a violation of God’s law (1 John 3:4). Everyone must abide by the Lord’s way. What seems right to men is the way of death (Proverbs 16:25). It is not in man to direct his own steps (Jerimiah 10:23). We must follow God’s directions and be faithful to his commands. When we do, the Lord adds us to the body of the saved which is his church (Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47). We have no choice in the matter.
Why should everyone be a member of the church of Christ? Notice these many reasons.
Because it is scriptural in organization. It has elders who oversee (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7), deacons who serve (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13), evangelists who preach and teach (2 Timothy 4:2-5) andmembers/saints who faithfully follow the Lord (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:2). It has no higher authority on earth than the local congregation. There are no earthly headquarters or legislating body to make rules. It’s citizenship is in heaven, not on earth (Philippians 3:20). Every congregation appeals to the Bible and answers only to God.
Because it requires no more or less than that which is set forth in the Scriptures. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 declares: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Colossians 3:17 demands authority for everything said and done. The church of Christ works and speaks as the “oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). The Bible is its only creed.
Because it is scriptural in its worship. Worship in the church of Christ (Romans 16:16) consists of:singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs without instrumental accompaniment (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), praying unto God the Father in the name of Jesus the Son (Matthew 6:9; John 16:23-26; Acts 2:42), giving a freewill contribution on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), partaking the Lord’s supper on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7; Matthew 26:26-28), and preaching the Gospel (Acts 20:7).
Because it is the fulfillment of divine prophecy — God’s eternal purpose. Ephesians 3:1-11 explains this well. The Lord’s church is not an accident or substitute. It is spoken of in Isaiah 2:1-4, Micah 4:1-4 and Daniel 2:31-45. It is the eternal kingdom spoken of throughout the ages by the holy prophets (Acts 2:16). Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). It is his and wears his name (Romans 16:16).
Because the Bible is its only creed. The church of Christ has no manual, catechism, discipline or prayer book. The Bible is completely sufficient. “...His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him....” (2 Peter 1:3). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is the book from which all will one day be judged (John 12:48; Revelation 20:12). I want no other! How about you?
Because it is built according to the pattern in the New Testament. There is one builder and head, Jesus the Christ (Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 3:3-6; Ephesians 1:22-23). “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:19-20). On what was the church you attend built?
Because it has a Bible name. Why would a bride choose to wear a different name than the groom? “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Romans 16:16 speaks of congregations everywhere and says, “the churches of Christ salute you.” What name does your church wear?
Because the Gospel is its only drawing power. Gimmicks and gadgets, food and fun, party and recreation will not save. Those drawn by such look for the “loaves and fishes” and will walk away when they are no longer offered (John 6:26-27). Men are drawn to God by the Gospel, nothing else (John 6:44-45; 1 Corinthians 1:18-21). It is God’s drawing power to save (Romans 1:16). Men are saved when they obey it (1 Peter 1:22; Romans 6:17-18; Hebrews 5:8-9; Matthew 7:21-23). What draws you to the church you attend?
Because it is supported by the free will offerings of its members. Collections are to be taken up on the first day of the week from the membership. “Now concerning the collection for the saints...Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him...” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). There is no Bible authority for fund raising of any sort: pie suppers, car washes, rummage sales, etc. What does your church do?
Because it stands for the purity of the Gospel in doctrine and practice. Scripture demands we preach the Gospel exactly as written. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9). The Lord’s church demands a “thus saith the Lord” (Colossians 3:17). Where does your church stand?
Because it is scriptural in the plan of salvation. For one to be saved, the Christ commanded everyone to: Believe in Jesus the Christ (John 8:24; Mark 16:16), Repent of sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30), Confess faith in Christ as the Son of God and savior of the world (Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10), be baptized (immersed) into water for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). Leave out any one of these, and there is no salvation! What does your church believe and practice? Most teach “faith only.” However, “faith only” is the doctrine of men, not God. It will cause those who espouse it and believe it to be lost (James 2:24; Matthew 15:8-9).
Because it is the church you read about in the New Testament. It is the same in organization and worship. It believes and practiced no more and no less than the Bible requires. The church is the body of the saved (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23). One enters the church upon being baptized (Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Have you been added to the Lord’s body by being baptized (Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47)?
The church of Christ is Biblical in every way, rightly dividing the “Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). What about the church you belong to?
MUST one be a member of the church you’re a member of to go to heaven? If you answer “no“, then why does it exist? If one can go to heaven without being a member of the church you attend, then why be a member of it? What purpose could it possibly serve?
MUST one worship as you worship where you attend in order to go to heaven? If you answer “no,” then why do you worship as you do? If it’s not essential to go to heaven, then why do it?
Salvation is in Christ’s church and his church alone. It is the church of Christ. Membership in it is essential to go to heaven. Why be a member of anything else? God will root up all others (Matthew 15:13)! To what church do you belong?