The Church of Christ The Universal Church

Much Confusion How does one become a part of the Lord’s church? Do you join? Are you voted in? How is one added to the Lord’s body? Let’s explore over the next couple of weeks concerns about the universal church and the local church. Who is and who is not a part of Christ’s church?

The Universal Church On Earth The church is made up of everyone who has been saved by God through Christ. Matthew 16:18 --I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Jesus was discussing the universal church.

Hebrews 12:22-24 The church is made up of those who are saved. “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.”

There is only ONE universal church Which is the body of Christ Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all….” Ephesians 4:4 – “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling….”

It Began On The Day Of Pentecost Acts 2:40-41 -- And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls….”

Peculiarities Of The Universal Church It can only be added to by God. The official roster is kept by God. It consists only of the saved. Not everyone who thinks they’ve been added to the church really has. Many will be lost who think they are saved.

Peculiarities explained Only added to by God Acts 2:41, 47 -- So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls…. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

God keeps The Official Roster Hebrews 12:23 – “…to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect….” 2 Timothy 2:19 – “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”

Consists Of The Saved Ephesians 5:25-27 -- Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

Those who sin are cut off John 15:2,6 – Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. Romans 11:19-22 -- Revelation 3:16

Romans 11:19-22 -- “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.” Revelation 3:16 – “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”

The Universal Church In Eternity Only those in that body will be saved. Ephesians 5:23 -- For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.

The headship of the church is in heaven Ephesians 2:19-22 – So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

1 Peter 2:5 -- “…you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

The Universal Church Cannot Be Divided There is ONLY ONE body Ephesians 4:4 -- There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling Death doesn’t affect its membership. 1 Thessalonians 5:10 – “…trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Philippians 1:21-23 -- For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know [t]which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better….

Are You A Member Of That Church? Only one method to become added by God to the church. Have you followed God’s plan to be added? Eternity hangs in the balance.