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Bible question
Can a person be a member of the Lord's church without obeying the gospel such as being baptized in to the death (Romans 6:1-6) and risen in faith with Christ (Colossians.2:12)?
Todd Clippard
A person enters a relationship with God by obeying the gospel.
This includes:
1. Hearing and understanding the word of God - Matthew 15:10; Romans
10:17;
2. Having faith in God and His word - Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17.
This includes faith in Jesus, His death, burial and resurrection -
John 8:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4;
3. Repentance of sins - Acts 17:30; Acts 26:20;
4. Confession of faith in Jesus - Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 8:37;
Romans 10:10;
5. Baptism (immersion) in water in order to receive forgiveness of
sins - Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16. This includes a faith in God to
forgive sins at the point of baptism (Colossians 2:11-12).
Therefore, as your question is worded: "Can a person be a member of
the Lord's church . . . without obeying the gospel such as being
baptized in to the death Rom.6:1-6 and risen with Christ Col.2:12"
-- the biblical response is, "No, he cannot."
One cannot be added to the church without a scriptural baptism (Acts
2:36-47), and the Bible is clear as to the end of those who do not
obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; 1 Peter 4:17).