Church Membership in the Bible

In this study, we move from the theological foundation of congregationalism to consider the composition and nature of the church. Drawing from historical theologians like Benjamin Keach and John Owen, we explore what constitutes the church and examine biblical passages to clarify its essential elements.

The Church as a Spiritual House: Matter and Form

Benjamin Keach describes every house as having “matter” (what it is made of) and “form” (how its elements relate to one another). Similarly, the church, as the house of God, has:

1. Matter: The people who make up the church.
2. Form: The cause, purpose, and way those people relate to one another as a church.

This session focuses on the matter—the people who compose the church.

The Matter of the Church: Converted Persons

The church consists of converted people—those who have experienced salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. While unbelievers may attend services, they are not considered part of the church as a spiritual body. Key passages support this principle:

• 1 Peter 2:4-5: Believers are described as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices. The church is comprised of living (spiritually alive) stones, not dead or false stones.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18: Paul warns against being “unequally yoked” with unbelievers and reminds us that believers are the temple of God. Only believers are God’s sons and daughters and part of His house.

The Church: A Society of Baptized Believers

Believers who join the church must have publicly professed their faith and been baptized as a testimony of their regeneration.

• Acts 2:41-44: Those who believed Peter’s message were baptized and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. The church was made up of believers who had repented and been baptized.

Throughout Scripture, church members are consistently addressed as believers, saints, or holy ones (e.g., Ephesians 1:1-2, Colossians 1:2-4). The church is a holy society of people set apart for God’s purposes.

The Glory of the Church: Holiness

The holiness of the church sets it apart from the world. It is not a place for unbelievers to dwell without repentance and faith. Holiness edifies the church and protects it from destruction.

• 2 Timothy 3:1-5: In contrast to the world’s unholy behavior, the church must avoid being filled with those who merely have “the appearance of godliness” but deny its power.

Qualifications for Church Membership

Membership in the church requires more than a verbal confession. John Owen and other theologians highlight key qualifications for those joining the church:

1. Regeneration: A member must be spiritually reborn through faith in Christ (Titus 3:3-5). Baptism symbolizes this inward transformation.
2. A Public Profession of Faith: Church members must openly declare Christ as Lord and submit to His authority (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing: Members must understand that following Christ involves suffering and self-sacrifice (Luke 9:23).
4. Conviction of Sin and Trust in Christ Alone: A member must confess sin and rely solely on Jesus for forgiveness and salvation (Acts 2:38).

The Role of the Church in Assessing Membership

While God alone judges the heart, the church is responsible for evaluating external evidence of faith. This includes examining a person’s confession and visible fruits of regeneration. Those living in persistent sin or rebellion against Christ’s authority are not to be admitted to membership.

Unbelievers may attend services and hear the gospel, but the privileges of church membership are reserved for those who are converted, baptized, and living in submission to Christ.

Conclusion: The Matter of the Church

The matter of the church is its people—converted, baptized believers who demonstrate faith and submission to Christ. Understanding this foundation is crucial for maintaining the church’s holiness and purpose.

Next time, we will explore the form of the church and how its members relate to one another as a unified body.

Matter And Form, Pt.1