Does the Bible tell us we have to take an oath or agree to a local church covenant in order to be a "member" of that church?
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Asked October 19 2013
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Dan Rivers
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D W
Supporter
No. Nowhere in the Christian writings, the Covenant of Grace through Faith, is there an oath or local church requirement for membership in the Body of Christ. If you encounter that, it is strictly a man-made provision. Some churches require water baptism in order to be saved. Some require water baptism after one is saved, the latter usually a requirement for membership. However, neither is bibical, neither is required in order to be saved or remain saved. For answers to this type question, be sure to "tune in" to the Apostle Paul, Acts 9 through Philemon. http://www.booksie.com/don_watson
Stanley Zantarski
Sometimes we have to think outside the box a bit and scripture helps us to do that. Scripture tells us to obey the government and we know this pertains to pretty much everything because rarely does the government actually instruct a person to do wrong, even if they allow it in the case of abortion and other matters, right? I mean, scripture doesn't tell us to go 55 mph on the highway but it does tell us to obey the government. Scripture doesn't tell a 12 year old to be in the house by 8 p.m., but it does tell him to obey his parents. Jesus had a baptizing ministry before he had a preaching ministry. This is what He said: "Jesus answered him, 'Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.'" Then he allowed Him to be baptized. Http://ebible.com/esv/Matthew/3/1/-/3/17?ori=35977 Of course it is not required to be saved because it is a "ritual form" and Christ came to change the way we go about fulfilling the "LAW"-- through a change of heart that manifests itself in love. We ought to do it anyway because it pleases God and Christ did it Himself. In conclusion, the person who is asked to take an oath ought to pray on it and inform the pastor that he or she uncomfortable with it (if unscriptural) or go along with it if the wording of the oath doesn't contradict scripture.
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