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IS SALVATION IN THE CHURCH?

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. This question has nothing to do with a denomination but has reference to the church which Christ built on the rock. Matt. 16:18.
   2. Christ built but one church, while men have built hundreds differing from the church of Christ in the New Testament.
   3. Many say, "But one church is as good as another." Is that statement true, provided the church of Christ in the New Testament is included? Is one man as good as another, if Christ be included in the list? Is one book as good as another if the Bible is in the number considered? -
2. HAS GOD PROMISED SALVATION OUT OF THE CHURCH?
   1. Many seem to think that the church is some sort of a detour off the strait and narrow way that leads to life eternal. Matt. 7:13, 14.
   2. God said through the prophet that He would put salvation in Zion, and Paul says that Zion is the church. Isa. 46:13; Heb. 12:21-23.
   3. The word church is used in the New Testament about 110 times: 18 times, the word refers to the church in its. general sense including all the saved. About 92 times, refers to congregations. Eph. 2:14-16; 3:6.
   4. Church is from Ekklessia and means those called out from the world. Hence, the church includes all the saved - all who have been called out of the world by the gospel. 2 Thess. 2:14; Col. 3:15. If not in the church, then in the world, and lost. Col. 1:13, 18, 24.
   5. Matt. 16:18. Christ built the church. Would he have built a non-essential and useless institution, out of which men could be saved?
   6. Matt. 16:18. Christ built the church on the rock. May a man be saved who builds on the sand, rather than in the church on the rock? Matt. 7:24-26.
3. IF SALVATION IS OUT OF THE CHURCH, THEN IT IS OUTSIDE OF THAT 'WHICH THE CHURCH IS.
   1. The church is the body of Christ. Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22, 23. If saved out of the church, then saved out of the body of Christ, with no connection with Christ the head. We are reconciled in the body. Eph. 2:16. Christ is the Saviour of the body. Eph. 5:23.
   2. The church is the kingdom of Christ, and if one is saved out of it, he is saved and left in Satan's kingdom. Matt. 16:18, 19; Lk. 22:30; '.Matt. 12:26; Col. 1:13; Jno. 3:5.
   3. The church is the house or family of God. 1 Tim. 3:15. If saved out of it, then saved in Satan's family. 1 Pet. 4:17; Jno. 8:44; 1 Jno. 3:10. Then saved without a new birth. Jno. 3:5.
   4. The church is the Lord's flock, His sheep, His fold. Jno. 10:16; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-3. Not saved out of His fold. Jno. 10:9.
   5. The church is the bride of Christ. Eph. 5:23; Rev. 21:9; Rom. 7:4. If no part of this bride, one will not be presented unto Christ when He comes for His church. Eph. 5:23-26.
   6. The church is the Lord's redeemed people, purchased with His blood. Eph. 5:25; Acts 20:28. If not a member, then not redeemed - not purchased with His blood.
   7. The church is the holy place, with Christ as High Priest over it. Heb. 10:19-22; 1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 2:5. If not in the church, then without a High Priest.