The Gateway...

What is the gateway of entrance into Christianity, the church, the legit title of Christian?

Is there even such a thing as a gateway, or is that just some American myth?

Can I be a part of the church and also be a Buddhist, an Atheist, a Hindu practitioner?

Shouldn't the church embrace everyone, no-matter what they believe?  Isn't that what Jesus did?!

We live in a culture today where people love to use that last one with little regard for what Jesus actually did.  Jesus' words seem to get popped out of context like popcorn from the popper, each kernel somehow presented as independent of the others.  Jesus is somehow presented as One who never walked through time, as His words are wrapped into the convenient pre-texts of preachers, teachers, and generations who might much rather redefine and package the Biblical Jesus in pleasing tones rather than embrace and follow Him in Biblical obedience.  A generation shouts that it has to feel right to be right, and forgets that's just not in the Bible... that's just simply not Christianity.  So how in the world are we supposed to figure out what really happened?!

Several years ago, I stumbled on an all-too-simple answer to that question.  ACTUALLY READ THE BIBLE.

I was raised in a time when the brand of Christianity you wore meant a lot more than it seems to today.  My brand was very conservative, and it shot me out of the gun and into manhood as a man who just wanted to follow what the Bible says.  But today seems not so simple.

Is the Body of Christ (remember that's what the Apostle Paul called the church) made up of anyone who wonders through the door and looks like they might stay for two Sundays?  Is it made up of everyone who is at least thinking about loving this man, Jesus?  Is it made up of folks who are "on their own personal journey" no-matter if that journey has taken them to the cross, to confession, repentance, and actually serving Jesus with their lives yet or not?

These are at least a few of the great movements which seem to be selling books these days, but as I read the Bible, I have to encounter the simple answer to each of these which is, "no."

That seems kind of harsh, I realize, but over the years I've found that most people would prefer straight answers to questions which effect their eternal soul.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm one of the original "throw the doors open" guys.  I want every kind of person to come into contact with the church and around the church... around the Body of Jesus Christ; but when does someone go from being with, or around, to being a part of that body?

Over years of pastoring and reaching out specifically to non-Christians who often want an answer to just such a question, I've discovered three foundational components in the Bible which are always present in one way or another at the point of a person's being "SAVED"... and that is the point at which the church has both Biblically and historically embraced new people as a part of it, rather than a satellite around it.

First, admit the Truth about God:
that Jesus Christ is the only Son of the One True God, that He died to pay the price for our sins, and rose again on the third day. (Romans 10:9-11)

Second, admit my personal sin to God seeking His forgiveness:
"If we confess/admit our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9, ref.*)

Third, quit doing life my way and serve Jesus Christ (you may have heard it called, Repentance):
"come, follow me" were three of Jesus' consistent words of leadership to potential new followers.  Luke 9:23

On these three hinge-pins rests the gate of eternity... for they are the points of embrace at which a man, woman, or child can freely engage the grace of Jesus' cross and the power of His resurrection.  It is at this turning point, that we have come to God, God's way.  We have laid down our own efforts to throw ourselves completely at His mercy and grace.  It is at this point that we are no longer our own, but belong to the body of Christ, His church.

How can a person "join" the church?  Simply put, come to Jesus on His terms; follow Him together with others who have done the same in a local gathering of believers.

Should someone still go to church if they're not willing to come to Jesus on His terms?  Absolutely!  He's the only way to eternal life.  If you're just not willing to give your life to Him now, at least stick around His church and give yourself the best chance possible of understanding and embracing the God who would save you!

Is there a gateway... yes.  Jesus said it this way, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9, ref.*)

After following Jesus for some 34 years, I can simply tell you that the "pasture-land" is worth far more than the cost of admission!

May you embrace His grace and find His peace!

Pastor John


*ref.: NASB