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NASB | Ephesians 1:23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills and completes all things in all [believers]. |
Bible Question:
Greetings all! If we automatically become members of the body of Christ at salvation (Acts 2:47; 20:28; Ephesians 1:23; 5:25), then what is "church membership?" If we are already members of the church (the body of Christ), as the Bible sees it (when we become saved), then why do some churches have a "Church Covenant"? For instance, I attend a Conservative Mennonite/Anabaptist church, where I had to agree to a "Church Covenant" in order to be a member of that church. I already fulfilled and continue to fulfill all of the obligations of the Covenant (obligations including 'short hair' for men, the wearing of the veil for women) just by being who I am. So there is no problem whatsoever for me in fulfilling any of the points in the "Covenant." However, my question is: is it entirely Biblical for a church to make the acceptance of a "Church Covenant" a requirement for membership in their congregation in the first place? Thank you in advance for your answers! |
Bible Answer: In my opinion, that sounds a little legalistic to me. I'm sure that if you wanted to join the Shriners, for instance, you'd have to agree to their rules and bylaws too. I joined a Baptist church, there was just a simple declaration of faith to join, not no you will dress this way...Of course my cousin married a Mormon, I remember his mom having to do an acct. to make sure they tithed the correct amount, it was checked on. I think people should tithe and dress properly but to have "police" checking on you, that doesn't seem quite right to me. But, then again, if people agree to abide by the rules...for example, I can't imagine why anybody would wear one of those silly looking Shriner hats, but ervidentally they line up to get in. :) |