A CATECHISM ON THE CHURCH

QUESTION: How does one become a member of the true church?

ANSWER: Salvation alone makes one a member of the true church. Act 2:47, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

QUESTION: What is the door of entrance into the true church?

ANSWER: Christ is the door of the true church. John 10:9, “I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

QUESTION: How does one remain a member of the true church?

ANSWER: One remains a member of the true church by living a Christian life. John 15:4, “Jesus said, Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me.”

QUESTION: How does one lose membership in the true church?

ANSWER: Committing sin causes one to lose membership in the true church. Romans 11:22, “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God; on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Exodus 32:33, “And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.”

QUESTION: Where, and by whom, is the church membership record of the true church, kept?

ANSWER: The church membership record of the true church is kept by the Lord in heaven. Luke 10:20, “Not-withstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”

QUESTION: What is the discipline [Manual or Creed] of the true church?

ANSWER: The New Testament is the discipline] [Manual or Creed] of the true church. 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

QUESTION: What is the name of the true church?

ANSWER: The name of the true Church is “THE CHURCH OF GOD.” Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” 1 Corinthians l:2, “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth.”

QUESTION: Why is it called the church of God?

ANSWER: It is called the church of God because it is the family of God. Ephesians 3:15, “Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” Also Jesus Himself named the Church. John 17:11, “Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”

QUESTION: How many churches did Christ intend for there to be in the world?

ANSWER: Christ intended that there be just one church. John 10:16, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Ephesians 2:14, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.”

QUESTION: What is the duty of true Christians who are members of the church of God by spiritual experience and have also joined a denomination?

ANSWER: The duty of Christians who have joined denominational churches is to separate themselves from these human institutions and abide alone in the true Church counting membership in the body of Christ as true church membership. 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? . . . Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

QUESTION: Did Christ intend that all of His followers be in unity?

ANSWER: Christ intended that all of His followers be in unity. John 17:20–21 “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one.”

One Holy Church of God Appears

By Samuel Longfellow

One holy church of God appears

Through every age and race,

Unwasted by the lapse of years,

Unchanged by changing place.

From oldest times, on farthest shores,

Beneath the pine or palm,

One unseen Presence she adores,

With silence, or with psalm.

The truth is her prophetic gift,

The soul, her sacred page;