Have you ever stopped to consider why you are a member of your church? Or why you hold certain beliefs? In a world that is filled with religiosity, it is vitally important for us test all things and hold fast to that which is good because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; 1 John 4:1). With so much false teaching in our world we need to be willing to examine ourselves to be sure we are following the truth. We do not want to be surprised on the day of judgment to learn that we were following false doctrine (Matthew 7:21 -23). We should always have a “thus saith the Lord” for what we believe and practice in religion and an answer for those who ask us what we believe and why we believe it (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 3:15).

One doctrine that is commonly misunderstood is the doctrine of Christ’s church. The church is important and it is a part of God’s infinite wisdom in how He saves us (Ephesians 3:1-10). The Scripture says, “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6). Jesus Christ has a house, known as the church, which belongs to Him (1 Timothy 3:15). Let me suggest to several reason why I am a member of Christ’s church.

First, I am a member of Christ’s church because of what it is called. Christ is the builder of His church. He is the one who purchased the church, it just makes good sense that the church would wear His name (Acts 20:28). In the New Testament we find expressions like “the church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Timothy 3:5); “the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:15); “the church of our Lord” (Acts 20:28); “the church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:21) and “the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16). The church we are part of must have a Scriptural name and must identify Christ as its builder. It is because of this scriptural designation that I am a member of the church of Christ.

Second, I am a member of Christ’s church because of what its members are called. In the New Testament those who follow Christ are called saints (1 Corinthians 1:2); disciples (Acts 20:7); brethren (1 Corinthians 15:6); children of God (1 John 3:1); sons of God (Romans 8:14) and Christians (Acts 11:26). The prophet Isaiah predicted all of this when He said that God’s people would be called by a new name (Isaiah 66:2). Wearing a name that honors God like the name Christian is a significant thing. I want nothing more and nothing less than to be a Christian. To wear a religious name that is not found in the Bible is not only unscriptural, but it robs God of His glory. I am a member of the church of Christ because its members simply call themselves “Christians.”

Third, I am a member of Christ’s church because of its creed. While many religious groups have adopted man authored articles, creeds or confessions, the church of Christ has no man-made creed. The source of authority is the Bible alone. It is the Bible which gives us everything we need to know about life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). It is the Scriptures that teach us what is right, what is wrong, how to get right and how to stay right (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is only the Bible that is all-sufficient. God’s word addresses every aspect of life whether it has to do with relationships, finances, discouragement, depression, anger, death, suffering, sickness, fatigue, lost-ness, trials, temptations, government or eternity. I am a member of Christ church because it looks to God’s word for answers and authority, giving book chapter and verse for all that is said and done.

These are a few reasons why I am a member of the church of Christ.  If you are not a member of the church of Christ, we hope you will search God’s word to see if these reasons are valid. If you find that they are, it is our prayer that you will submit to the will of God and be a member of Christ’s church.