 A question that is asked frequently and deserves an answer is “Can a person be a Christian and not be a member of the Church of Christ?” What we must always keep in mind is that such questions require a Bible answer. Answers based on the standards or the traditions of men are not equal to the word of God. We must always look for what God has said and not what man thinks.
In Matthew 16:18 we see that Christ reminds us of what He built, the church. Not “a church” but the church. “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Paul tells us in Galatians 3:27 that it is in baptism that a person is added to the church, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Paul also tells us in Colossians 1:24b that Christ’s body, which we are placed into at baptism, is the church, “… for the sake of His body, which is the church,” In addition to what Paul, an inspired man of God has said, Peter tells us and shows us that baptism is essential in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, we see what the Bible has revealed and we can determine that 1) Baptism is essential, 2) Baptism places one into the body of Christ, the church, and 3) since these things are true then a person cannot be a Christian if they are not a part of Christ’s church. We can also add that since baptism is also for the remission of sins, then salvation is only in the church which Christ founded, and He only founded one (Mt 16:18). These things being true not because of what I or any man has said but because of what we see in scripture. Since the Bible reveals that a Christian cannot be found anywhere but in Christ’s church then the answer is clear we must be in Christ’s church in order to fit the definition of a Christian as it is found in scripture. When man is faced with such truths it can be difficult to accept for many reasons. However, if you are to know the truth and want to obey the truth as it is found in God’s Word, then we must accept what God’s Word reveals. A refusal to do so we only result in us being separated from God. Think about it.
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 The attribute of humility is one that every Christian should possess. We read over and over again how the “haughty” and “stiff necked” are contrary to God (2 Chro 30:8, Ps 18:27).
Being humble leads us to selflessness. The humble person doesn’t exalt themselves but, because of their good works, others, including God exalt them (Jam 4:10). A person who is puffed up only desires to be exalted so that they can boast. A person who is humble desires only to do the works of God and IF they are exalted by others then so be it. We want to be humble and not haughty and we should not do things just so that others can see our works (Mt 6:2-4). Being humble leads a person to righteousness. A person who is truly humble will desire to do what God has commanded. One of the biggest obstacles for people is their pride. Sadly, many allow their pride to get in the way and, as a result, they refuse to obey God (Pro 16:18). A person who is humble will submit to the teachings of God and not reject them (Isa 30:10). Are we humble enough to obey God when we realize we are not following His Word? Being humble leads us to everlasting life. A person who is humble is willing and ready to repent when they realize they have committed sin. No doubt there are those who do not want to acknowledge that they have sinned. However, the proud cannot repent unless they humble themselves before God. Felix is a shining example of what happens when we are too proud to make ourselves right with God (Acts 24:25). By these three points we see that being humble causes a person to be a better worker for God, a better student of His Word, and causes us to be closer to God through our humble repentance. Do you have humility? Are we striving to have more humility? The Bible tells us Christ was humble for our sakes (Phil 2:8). Are we humble for the sake of the Kingdom of God? |
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