I John 2:19a - The Church We Can See

I John 2:19a - They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. 

Message: The Church We Can See

Time: The author of this book never was identified but contemporaries have attributed it to John and its dating is estimated to be 90 AD. John focused on three issues: the zeal of the believers, standing firm against false teachers, and reassuring the Christians that they have eternal life. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

I must admit, I read through this devotional one time yesterday and I was not sure what it was saying. So this morning, I opened up I John 2:19 and read it and looked at the context. It is speaking of the antichrist and proclaims -- 

They went out from us — Separated themselves from the communion of the true church of Christ. Hence it is one of the marks of antichrist, that he had been once in the Christian Church, and a teacher by profession, but had left it or apostatized; but they were not of us — When they went, their hearts were before departed from God; for if they had been of us — Had been inspired by the same spirit wherewith we are inspired; they would, no doubt, have continued with us — For upright men, of a pure intention, would never have seen any cause to leave us, and divine grace would have preserved such from being overcome by the temptations of these artful deceivers (Joseph Benson 1749-1821; one of the most eminent and influential Methodist ministers in England after the death of John Wesley).

Thus, the church as a community of believers coming together is needed. And yet those within the church are not all Christians. While the church is needed and important, it is also made up of people that are 'just visiting.' However, it is a community that is needed and the Word of God states it is not optional. I know many that are trying to navigate through life without it. They have served for a season and now think there lives don't need and can live away from it. 

From these verses we see that not everyone in the church is regenerate and yet the church is still relevant and needed and those unregenerate people still belong to a church. Thus, it is not only a place for regenerate people. Even unregenerate people can see the benefits of the church - a place to see the work of God's spirit living and active among people; a place to witness the blessings God gives to His church; and a place to hear the Word of God preached (Hebrews 6:4-5). 

It is true that none of us are omniscient (having complete understanding and insight into one another) and therefore knowing for sure the faith of one another. The church employs community by helping people see the importance of vowing to belong. This weekend, my wife and I are going to a church membership class. It is necessary to come together and know the importance of what the church believes and knowing what it means to belong. If we want to be involved, it is a requirement to serve. And often verification that one has been baptized is a condition of church membership or being involved in a local body for it signifies that we are all common believers. And in this process we corporately profess our faith. People acknowledge that they are committed to being together in the church. These are all good things and necessary things and things we are called to be about. Many will attend church and yet not partake of these things. The classes and profession and baptism are not required but offered and encouraged. 

But it is not only that we are called to become involved, but we are also privileged to be in a place where the Word of God is preached and receive the sacraments. Through this the Lord causes us to grow. Many a Sunday I am in church not feeling like being there, wondering what I am getting out of it, questioning things, evaluating the presentation, and yet I remain. I belong. God is growing me whether I see it or not, whether I acknowledge it or not. 

I Corinthians 10:16-18 - The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? (Thoughts: We are one; we come together to have communion, to partake of the sacrifices and in the process we participate in the Body of Christ and are one body.)

Hebrews 5:14 - But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Thoughts: The regular preaching of the Word of God is not optional but needed in our lives. I am thankful for our church where the pastor faithful preaches the word and then we go to Sunday School to examine it further together.)

I Peter 2:2 - Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation. (Food is not a one time thing in our life. It is needed multiple times a day and the Word of God is the same way. We need it to grow in our believing life, each and every day.)

And yet people who belong to a church, that are exposed regularly to the word of God, need to come to truth. They need to eventually be a believer of Christ, belonging, baptized. We know from God's word that some will leave. But we also know those who are near to this message and yet don't ever follow through will incur a greater judgment (Luke 12:35-48).

And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

Summary: Belonging to a church is not optional, for anyone. We are meant though to come to saving faith, to belong, to partake of the sacraments, to live in a community with other believers, to hear the Word of God preached, and to grow. It is not an option. It is also a privilege. 

Promise: Except in rare circumstances, Scripture knows nothing of a Christian who is not part of the local, visible church. 

Prayer: Thank you God for church. You know I've always loved church and see that it is a community set apart for You. Thank you for being about church and that so many are involved and yet give discernment to people to be in a body that is aligned with Your truths. I pray for my friends who are not involved right now that they would see they never graduate from not being involved and that it is necessary always as a follower of Yours and that we need it. Help me to always stay close to You in this way and encourage this in others. Thank you God. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am now working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of August is about the Body of the Lord - the Church recovered in the Reformation; July was the right use of God's Law; June was justification by faith alone; May about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation, Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God.  

The Body of Christ - The Church is the Body of Christ and Christ loves the church. We are to imitate Christ and see that the Church is how Christ carries out His purposes in the world. The Head of the Church - Christ is Head of the church and he only has final authority and gives life to the church. Life is found only in Jesus Christ our Lord.