There is much more that can be written about the body of Christ and some of the various false doctrines that are prevalent today will be addressed in other lessons. But suffice it to say, the body of Christ, the Lord’s people, the saved are a peculiar people in that they do not conform to the ways of the world. As written in I Peter 2:9-10, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  The old way of life is called darkness and the new way is called light. The body is group of people who follow Christ rather than the way of Satan.

Unfortunately, the people were lead astray by false doctrines as briefly pointed out in the lessons and that continues to this day. Jesus told the people of his day or age, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23) The words doeth the will of my father includes obeying the gospel as instructed in the scriptures. When Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  (John 14:6), he meant every word of it. The “but by me” include both his words for being saved and the apostles teaching. The false teachers of his and the apostle’s day changed the teachings to suit themselves and it is has happened down through ages. That is the reason there are so many different doctrines and groups claiming to be part of the body of Christ.

While those words may sound judgmental and authoritarian, an honest search of the scriptures will prove them true. The assembly (church) is simply composed of people who have obeyed the gospel, and who by virtue of that fact, try to live a life that does not include deliberate sin. And what is deliberate sin you may ask? It is all the behavior that God lists as unpleasing to him in every manner; and other the behaviors, while not expressly listed, are sin once one learns that they can cause people to view the believer in a detrimental way and bring dishonor to Christ and his body. Whatever a behavior may be that does not glorify Christ is sin.

Just as God gave Adam and Eve instruction concerning good and evil, God gives all who will listen the path for salvation. The assembly is a group of people who have followed God’s expressly given plan to be called his children. That begins with repentance from sin and conversion to God’s instruction from Jesus. Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3) Entering in the kingdom means to give oneself over to the reign of Christ and follow him instead of sin. That includes all the instructions for initial act that brings salvation and the godly living he and the apostles gave to the people of that day and to us today. 

There are sobering words in Matthew 7:13-14 for anyone who wants to be saved (baptized) and then follow Christ in the new life. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  As pointed out in the lessons, God’s word give instructions on how to be saved and the type of life that Christ requires. It is obvious from the arguments and the disagreements emanating out of the various religious groups that many have not found the truth of the Bible, and if they have, they are steadfastly refusing to follow it.

In closing the lesson series, I’ll leave you with the words of Paul in Acts 17:11 where Luke wrote about the honest hearted Jews: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Can you do any less in searching for the truth of God so you can be saved?

© 12-27-2009 DEC

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