How does one become a member of the Lord's Church?
In the salvation of man's soul there are two necessary parts: God's part and man's part. God's part is the big part, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast". (Eph. 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God's part in salvation.
Though God's part is the big part, man's part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has announced. Man's part can be clearly set forth in the following steps:
1. Hear the Gospel.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" (Romans 10:14).
2. Believe.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6).
3. Repent of past sins.
"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).
4. Confess Jesus as Lord.
"Behold here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37). (King James Version)
5. Be baptized for the remission of sins.
"Peter replied, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"
(Acts 2:38).
6. Live a Christian life.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).