“Don’t leave home without it.”
Your trusty plastic card is indispensable, to hear the company tell it. With it, you can do anything from taking your wife to lunch to vacationing in a foreign country. If you lose your card or cash, you can get a new card and a cash advance right away—your vacation will not be interrupted, and you will not be stuck in the middle of nowhere. Yes, membership has its privileges!
Membership in the Lord’s church has infinitely greater privileges than a credit card. The church is God’s family, and members have the privilege of calling upon the Father in prayer (Matthew 6:9). We have the privilege of worshiping Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23–24). Wherever we go in the world, we carry the assurance of salvation (He-brews 10:22). Should we become lost, we can confess to God with a penitent heart, confident that He will lovingly forgive and restore us to His favor (1 John 1:6–10).
Does this sound inviting to you? Here’s how to apply: Read the Word of God until you develop a sincere, confident trust in Jesus Christ as God’s Son; that is faith (Romans 10:17; John 8:24). Then let that faith motivate you to determine to turn from sin; that is repentance (Acts 2:38). Next, state your belief that Jesus is God’s Son; that is confession (Romans 10:9–10). Finally, be immersed in water in the name of Jesus for forgiveness of your sins; that is baptism (Acts 2:38).
When you meet these conditions, you will not be turned down. The Lord will add you to His church (Acts 2:47). No one will run a credit check, and you will not receive a monthly bill. All who apply for membership are hopelessly in debt. That is why they want membership—because Jesus paid the penalty for them when He died on Calvary. Through Him, the debt of sin can be forgiven.
If you are not a member of Jesus’ church, become one today! Membership has its privileges.
This article is from a special issue of House to House, Heart to Heart, offering encouragement, hope, and a heartfelt invitation to members of the church of Christ who have been away. Explore more articles from the special Come Home issue here.
