...the communion of saints

 

2 minute read

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Fellowship of believers

We believe in the communion, or the fellowship, of all who are true believers in Christ as God Incarnate (Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:42).

 

Communion means shared beliefs

Christians may have varying secondary beliefs and may follow different worship styles. They may not agree on such things as dress, politics and cultural or social practices (Luke 17:1-2; Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9).

 

Yet they share the same Lord (Galatians 3:26-28), the same teachings (John 8:12), the same belief in the Trinity (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2). They share the same focus of worship and the same sufferings for the cause of Christ (Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 2:21).

 

They share the same commitment to the Great Commandment to love their God and their neighbour as themselves (Matthew 22:37-39), to the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount. They share the same commitment to the Great Commission to spread the Good News of salvation through Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

Communion means gathering together

Fellow Christians need to meet whenever, wherever and however possible (Hebrews 10:25). They need to purposely seek other believers. 

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Those who choose to reject “community” and fellowship with other true believers are rejecting an essential of Christian beliefs (1 John 1:3). Failure to join with other believers because of secondary beliefs or worship practices is a tool of satan to destroy the church.

 

Saints

The word saint means someone who has separated themselves from the sins of the world and separated themselves to living the way of Christ (Philippians 4:8; 1 John 2:15-16). Every true follower of Jesus is a saint (Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1).

   

The church has often venerated saints. They are shining models of love, faith, holiness and perseverance (Acts 7:60; Hebrews chapter 11). Yet, in spite of their great faith, none were perfect. They, too, struggled with their own sin (Romans 7:15, 17, 19). Our prayers to God must go beyond them to Jesus, the true giver of daily blessings, needs and life (Philippians 4:19; 1 Timothy 2:5).

 

Fellowship without judgment

We must seek fellowship with others who are true believers in Jesus, even if we differ in secondary beliefs and practices. It is easy for ‘conservative’ believers to be judgmental of more ‘liberal’ Christians. It is easy for ‘liberal’ Christians to ridicule the rules of more ‘conservative’ Christians.

 

We must be on guard not to judge fellow Christians. This builds walls of resentment and pride. After all, we will all eventually stand before the Lord and give account for our attitudes and actions (Romans 14:4 and 10). We need each other.

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Questions? Contact us.

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