"In and Out of the Church"

Efforts to restore a fallen soul sometimes result in disappointment. I once visited a church member to find out the reason for her having failed to assemble with the saints for a few weeks. The souls of other family members were at stake as well. When I expressed my concern regarding the direction this family had taken the woman said, "I have been in and out of the church all my life." Not having heard anyone make such objection before, I was void of helpful words with which to reply. But after having had time to reflect I now see that I could have given her some words of wisdom from the Bible that might have been helpful.

First, it was never God's arrangement or intention for one to be in and out of the church. Penitent believers in Jesus as the divine Son of God are "baptized into Christ"-- having "put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27). While it is true that the church is the saved (Acts 2:47) it is also true that the saved (sheep) may become lost (Matt. 18:12, 13; 1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 5:4). We can have assurance of going to heaven only if we determine to be faithful until death (Rev. 2:10). To remain in God's graces we must "walk in the light" (1 John 1:7). Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye your souls" (Luke 21:19). In other words, don't give up.

Second, Christians who are guilty of "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" are sinning willfully and the result is "there remains no more sacrifice for sin” (Heb. 10:25, 26). In addition, the Hebrew writer says backsliders crucify "to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Heb. 6:4-6).

This last text speaks of the difficulty of renewing those who have "tasted the good word of God" but fall away, "to renew them again unto repentance." While it is impossible for me, by my power, to renew one to repentance, this does not mean the word of God, coupled with the will of the recalcitrant brother or sister who becomes weary of life without hope, cannot reach the lost soul.

Finally, if only those who are "out of the church" (being out of duty) would read and seriously contemplate on the Scriptures that teach of the love (1 John 4:9), grace (Rom. 3:25), mercy (Eph. 2:4; 1 Pet. 1:3), patience (Rom. 5:15), and faithfulness of God (Rom. 8:39;), perhaps they would renew their allegiance to God and once again enjoy his fellowship, taking their place among the saints who enjoy the continual cleansing of Christ's blood (1 John 1:7-9). Our Lord, using parables, speaks of the pitiful condition of the lost soul, the importance of repentance and the joy that other Christians experience when the lost comes home (Luke 15:3-32).

While it is true that a backslider can repent and return to the flock it is better to "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 1:21). John wrote, "But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him" (1 John 2:5). God knows no mere man will be perfect (Rom. 3:23; 1 John 1:8,10). But he expects diligence that we "may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless" (2 Pet. 3:14; 2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 4:3). Does anyone really have something better to do when the saints are assembling for edification and to worship and praise God? Never give up. Get in and stay in. If you are out get back in before it is too late (2 Thes. 2:10-12).

The church of Christ at Forum welcomes visitors and/or private home studies. See the link below for contact information: www.ForumCOC.org