There are many people today who trust that their Church Membership has reserved them a place in Heaven, but is this true? Becoming a member of a Church is not a bad thing, but when one places their sole trust into their Church Membership rather than trusting in Jesus, then Church may have become an idol before God. Some people believe that being a member of a certain church or a denomination insures that they will go to Heaven when they die, but what does the Bible say about this?
Ephesians 2:8,9 says,
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.John 3:3 says,
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Certainly, becoming a member of a Church is a work. It is not a bad work to do, for after the salvation experience it is the job of the Church to help you in your Christian journey through fellowship with others, the teaching of the word of God, and providing accountability. Becoming a member of a Church however does not mean you have acquire salvation. Salvation only occurs when one repents of their sins, believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for their sins, and was resurrected from the grave. The person then accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and their Savior.
Matthew 15:7,8 says,
7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips,But their heart is far from Me.Matthew 7:21, 22 says,
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
As unfortunate as it is, it is entirely possible that a "Church Member" can be lost and going to Hell, but all their life believing that they are secure in their salvation. These people are the most deceived of all, for at least a lost person who doesn't go to Church can see their need for Jesus. A person relying upon their Church membership however trusts that their good works will help them into Heaven, so they see no need for a Savior. Jesus merely becomes a footnote in their theology.
Hebrews 12:2 says,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Your salvation is dependent on what you do with the Cross. If you believe the man that died upon it did it to pay your debt of sin, and then was raise from the dead, and ascended back unto Heaven, therefore taking care of your sins once and for all. If you believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and you call upon Him to save you, and place your trust in Him. - This is all you need to be saved.
The Church is the sacred Bride of Christ, and it is the place where together we become sanctified. We can one day be His Bride, without a spot or a wrinkle. Jesus loves the Church, and when you become Born Again, you just joined His Church (generally speaking) for your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. This is whether you have an earthly Church to attend or not. In becoming a member of a Church on Earth however, you have a distinct advantage as you are hearing the word of God frequently for instruction and discipline, and you have the help of other Christians around you in fellowship. When you do good works as a Church God is glorified and the person. The Church exists for God's Glory.
Other Verses to consider:
Hebrews 12:14 says,
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Titus 1:16 says,
They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
James 2:14 says,
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
Galatians 2:16 says,
knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Romans 11:6 says,
And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
2 Timothy 1:9 says,
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Matthew 6:24 says,
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
1 John 3:21 says,
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
Matthew 18:3 says,
and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 14:11 says,
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 10:32 says,
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
