“Now, I know there are some who say, “Well, I hope I have given myself to the Lord, but I do not intend to give myself to any church, because—” Now, why not? “Because I can be a Christian without it.” Now, are you quite clear upon that? You can be as good a Christian by disobedience to your Lord’s commands as by being obedient? Well, suppose everybody else did the same, suppose all Christians in the world said, “I shall not join the Church.” Why there would be no visible Church, there would be no ordinances. That would be a very bad thing, and yet, one doing it—what is right for one is right for all— why should not all of us do it? Then you believe that if you were to do an act which has a tendency to destroy the visible Church of God, you would be as good a Christian as if you did your best to build up that church? I do not believe it, sir! nor do you either.”
Heavenly Springs
Holding Fast The Doctrines of Grace
Good post. There is also a bad trend in churches today to not even have membership for those that are committed to them. There is no personal accountablility this way and no checks and balances for maintaining doctrinal and personal purity.
Diane:
“There is no personal accountablility this way and no checks and balances for maintaining doctrinal and personal purity.” If ever a statement were true! I have seen that dynamic in action first hand and have been blessed by it!
Church, when done right (according to the Bible), is a set-up for such joy and edification for the believers. It’s a gift!! Of course, I understand that many who reject “belonging to a church” have had negative experiences however that is no excuse. If God expects this from us He will help us to do it. When a Church is operating the way that God intends (not perfect but biblically) there is such ocassion for joy and thanksgiving when the saints gather! There are too many benefits to list!