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Church Organization
The Church of Christ, as identified in the New Testament, is an organic institution, but without a man-made self-government. It is neither subject to, nor governed by, “Councils”, “General Assemblies,” “Conferences,” etc. Its government is not democratic, but a monarchy with Christ as the supreme head and absolute authority in the church. Religious bodies ruled by denominational headquarters occasionally change their doctrines and religious practices – sometimes completely repudiating former teachings and practice – which is evidence of the fact that they are of human origin and not of divine origin. The teachings of Christ are not changeable, nor reversible!
Terms of Church Membership
Salvation from sin necessitates two parts – God’s part and man’s part. God’s part is expressed: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Also, read Eph. 2:8. Man’s part necessitates faith and obedience to Christ: “Whoever believes in the Son hath eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life…” (John 3:36). Jesus commanded, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16). Salvation from sin is by the blood of Christ. Remission of sins is by the blood because, “… without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Heb 9:22). Those who have obtained remission of sins by the blood constitute the church of God which he bought with his own blood (Acts 20:28). But salvation, remission of sins, being added to the Lord’s church is conditional:
- Hear the gospel: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without someone preaching to them? … So faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Rom 10:14,17)
- Believe: “And without faith it is impossible to be please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb 11:6; also Mark 16:16; John 8:24).
- Repent: “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:3). “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he command all people everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30)
- Confess: Christ as the Son of God – “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Rom 10:9-10). “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim 6:12).
- Be baptized into Christ for remission of sins: “Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Act 2:38). “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16). For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Gal 3:27). Also, Rom 6:3-6.
- Live a faithful Christian life: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation (1 Pet 2:2). “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall (2 Pet 1:5-10)
Church of Christ, Great Falls, Montana
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