Church Doesn't Save Anyone

Sometimes I struggle to set aside the time to let God speak to me through the Bible.  I am reading the Bible often and I love to study it, but this doesn’t always translate into a good devotional time.  I find myself devoted to knowledge, or helping a student with a specific issue, instead of letting my life be devoted to God for that time.  One thing that Pastor Dave has encouraged me with is to read until something sticks out to you.  This way I don’t need to read an entire chapter or book, I can sit down and read until something strikes at my heart.  This has helped me with my devotions and it’s something that might help those of you who struggle as well.

Today I opened up the Bible to one of my favorite books to study, 1 Corinthians.  There are many challenging ideas in this book, and it is one that I have spent much time with.  However the Bible is living and active and as I was reading through chapter 10 I was able to focus on something that seemed new to me.  There are many comparisons that can be made between the Church and Israel.  Both have been chosen by God and we both represent him on Earth.  There are also some ways that we are similar that are a little less appealing. 

In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Paul uses Israel as an example of people knowing the truth, and even seeing God’s miracles and still setting their hearts on evil things.  As I read that it was a reminder that Church doesn’t save anyone.  As a parent I can bring my children to Church every week, read the Bible to them every night, and take them on trips where they see the power of God.  Yet without faith and new nature they will set their hearts on evil things just like many of the Israelites. 

This is in no way a condemnation of the Church.  I work here, you can be sure that I love and appreciate the Church. I believe God's plan with the church is for us to be involved with the local body so that we all grow together.  In fact 1 Corinthians is often viewed as a guide from Paul on how to do Church.  And even though Paul loves the church, he wants it to be clear that the believers in Corinth should not to get caught up in “Church” instead get caught up in Jesus.  He tells them, and us, to learn from the example of the Israelites.  We are not saved by being a part of a religion, or a nation, we are saved because Christ died and rose again.  

We need to stand firm on that.  Verse 12 says “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 

Dear God, please help me learn from Israel’s history and follow you only without allowing my heart to settle on evil things.

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Josh Earhart

About the Author:
Josh serves on staff at Westchester as Associate Pastor of Student Ministries