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“WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST”
WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
Garland M. Robinson
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 (Matt. 16:18-19; Mark 9:1). There is “one body...one faith” (Eph. 4:4-5). The one body is identified as the “church” (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18). Jesus is the saviour of the body (Eph. 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”(Prov. 3:1; 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 (Prov. 16:25). It is not in man to direct his own steps (Jer. 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 2:38,41,47). 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 elderswho oversee (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7), deaconswho serve (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13), evangelistswho preach and teach (2 Tim. 4:2-5) and members/saintswho faithfully follow the Lord (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 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 (Phil. 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.First 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 (Rom. 16:16) consists of: singingpsalms, hymns and spiritual songs without instrumental accompaniment (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), prayingunto God the Father in the name of Jesus the Son (Matt. 6:9; John 16:23-26; Acts 2:42), givinga freewill contribution on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2), partaking the Lord’s supperon the first day of every week (Acts 20:7; Matt. 26:26-28), and preachingthe 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 (cf. Acts 2:16). Jesus said, “I will build my church”(Matt. 16:18). It is his and wears his name (Rom. 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 thingsthat 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 furnishedunto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It is the book from which all will one day be judged (John 12:48; Rev. 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 (Matt. 16:18; Heb. 3:3-6; Eph. 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” (Eph. 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 Cor. 1:18-21). It is God’s drawing power to save (Rom. 1:16). Men are saved when they obey it (1 Peter 1:22; Rom. 6:17-18; Heb. 5:8-9; Matt. 7:21-23). What draws you to the church you attend?
