“I Am A Church Member”

Do you believe that being a member of your church is going to get you into Heaven? Did you know that there isn’t a single verse of Scripture that even speaks of church membership? And not even a hint of the idea that church attendance or membership has anything at all to do with going to Heaven?

I am amazed at how many people seem to think that being a member of some church will help them get into Heaven. I was sharing John 3:7 (kjv) with a lady one day and quoted it saying, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.” Now, those are the words of Jesus Christ! Imagine my shock when she responded, “Oh, I don’t need that. I am a member of my church.”

I asked her and I would ask you the same thing: Can you show me where God ever said the church membership would get you into Heaven? And can you please explain the logic of rejecting the plain words of Jesus Christ and making up your own “way to Heaven”?

Church Members In Hell
The truth of the matter is, there will be many church members who go to Hell. In Matthew 7:21 (kjv), Jesus made a statement that seems shocking to the typical, religious person. He said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

So, what is the will of His Father which is in heaven? John 3:7 (kjv), “Ye must be born again.” John 3:16 (kjv), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Look closely. God’s will is clear. Church membership has nothing to do with believing and being born again. Also in Matthew 7, we see in verse 23 that some will even boast of casting out devils and doing mighty works in the name of Jesus and, yet, in verse 24 Jesus said, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

These will obviously be “church members” but Jesus said they would be rejected. Why? Because they were not true believers, having been born again by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

So, What Good Is Church Membership
As far as being saved, church membership is of no use whatsoever. Going to church doesn’t mean that you are a Christian any more than standing in a garage means that you are a car!

Yes, Christians go to church but not in order to BE a Christian. They go to church because they ARE Christians and they want to obey God’s command to attend regularly (Hebrews 10:25 kjv). The early church met every Sunday (the first day of the week) for worship, Bible study and fellowship (Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2) because Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1 and Mark 16:9).

But what made them Christians was BELIEVING the Gospel. As Acts 13:48 says, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” They joined local churches immediately afterward, but they were saved when they believed!

Are you a church member? Have you believed on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and been born again? If not, your church membership is meaningless. Only after becoming a member of God’s family does being a member of a church mean anything.

Trust Jesus
Trust in Jesus Christ fully for payment of your sin. Then become an active participant in a local, Bible-believing church. Not in order to be saved, but because you ARE saved.

— G. A. Miller

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
“For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. “
Romans 10:9-11 kjv

The Remnant: Special Edition

If you would like to know more about Jesus Christ and the Gospel message that explains how you can be eternally saved, click on the "View Newsletter" link and read our Special Edition of The Remnant Newsletter.

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