Common expressions heard today are: “One does not have to be a member of the church to be saved; the church doesn’t save anyone; one can be a Christian and not be a member of any church.” We must examine the Scriptures to see if these expressions are true.

The Bible clearly teaches that the Lord saves. “And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matt 1:21 NAS). However, the question is, where does the Lord save—in the church or out of it?

God has always placed certain restrictions or requirements that exclude all » Continue reading “Is Church Membership Essential To Salvation?”

In talking with people about salvation one soon realizes that most people believe that things will eventually work out and that he/she will get to heaven. People feel that God is a God of love and that He simply will not see any person lost in Hell.

The Bible is crystal clear on this matter. The Lord Jesus Christ clearly warned, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it” (Matt 7:13-14 NAS).

It is true that Jesus often spoke of God’s love for people, and He also perfectly manifested the love of God in His relationship with people. » Continue reading “Will All People Eventually Be Saved?”

This question deserves careful consideration. In answering this question I mean by “church”, the Lord’s church, the church that is identical in name, doctrine, practice and organization with the church that you can read about in the New Testament! I am not referring to religious bodies that have been founded by men, either Catholicism or Protestantism. By the expression “saved” I mean forgiven of past sins, redeemed, and has become a child of God.

Many people think that they can be saved outside the church as well as in it—that they can be Christians outside as well as in the church. They reason that as long as they are good neighbors, good husbands or wives, good parents that all is well. Rather than thinking that something is true one should be concerned with what the Scriptures teach. The Word of God furnishes us with everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Since this is true then let us consider what the Bible has to say concerning this question. » Continue reading “Is It Possible To Be Saved And Not Be A Member Of The Church?”