The thought is widespread among most people that "joining a church" is really unnecessary to be saved. However, the Scriptures teach that "Christ... is the Savior of the body" (Ephesians 5:23). And, that "the church... is His body" (Ephesians 1:22-23). Obviously, salvation is impossible apart from Jesus Christ, therefore, salvation is impossible apart from His body, the church!

This is not to say the church saves, but rather, Jesus is Savior, and He "adds" us to His church based on our obedience (Acts 2:37-47). This is what He means when He said "I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18).

"Joining" is our action. We must seek out a group of saved people who are scripturally serving God. We should "join" ourselves to them as Saul (Paul) did. "And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples... So he was with them... coming in and going out" (Acts 9:26-28). And in Antioch he was "in the church" (Acts 13:1). This is how we worship and work with others. Think about it.

- Rogers Reflector, 9/17/2000