We recognize that all persons who know Jesus as Saviour are added to the universal church which is the Bride of Christ. There is, however, evidence that the New Testament recognized definable groups of people in local areas that came together for fellowship. This local body of believers was a microcosm of the universal church. In Acts 2:41-42 the pattern for the early church that met at Jerusalem seemed to involve an “adding” to the church. The “adding” was based on their acknowledgement of their faith in Christ.
We recognize that all persons who know Jesus as Saviour are added to the universal church which is the Bride of Christ. There is, however, evidence that the New Testament recognized definable groups of people in local areas that came together for fellowship. This local body of believers was a microcosm of the universal church. In Acts 2:41-42 the pattern for the early church that met at Jerusalem seemed to involve an “adding” to the church. The “adding” was based on their acknowledgement of their faith in Christ.
Membership in the church can be terminated in the following ways: