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NASB | Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ's return] approaching. |
Bible Question: I would like to receive information on church membership. I have found it nowhere in the Bible. |
Bible Answer: Why is church membership important? 'The universal Church—the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5)—is composed of all true believers in Christ. Non-believers are not part of the Body of Christ; therefore, it would seem that God keeps a “membership list” of who is in the Church. We see just such a list in Revelation 20:12, the Lamb’s book of life. If the universal Church has a “membership roll” in heaven, it would be appropriate for local churches to maintain a list of members on earth. '“And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved” (Acts 2:47). This verse indicates that salvation is a prerequisite for being “added” to the church. Churches today who require salvation before membership are simply following the biblical model. See also 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. 'Membership in the local church is strongly implied in Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians to “put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (1 Corinthians 5:13). The preceding verse speaks of those “without” and “within” the local church. Such language is meaningless without a clearly defined group of members. 'Why is church membership important? Church membership is a way of officially identifying yourself with a local body of believers. Church membership is a statement that you are in agreement with that local church and are a representative of it. Church membership is also a good way of determining who is allowed to vote on important church decisions and/or who is involved in official church positions/functions. Church membership is not required of Christians. It is simply a way of saying, "I am a Christian and I believe _______ church is a good church."' Recommended Resource: The Church: Why Bother? by Philip Yancey. Related Topics: Why is church attendance important? What is the purpose of the church? What is the church? What is the difference between the universal and local church? What does the Bible say about the form of church government? ____________________ www.gotquestions.org/church-membership.html |