Christians of Moddb
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This group is exactly what the name implies. A group for people who are Christians. If you're a Christian then please join us. We're a place on ModDB for Christians to gather and talk. It's as simple as that.
What purpose does the Church serve?
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The Church is NOT a hospital and the Church does NOT remit sins. We are told very plainly that the ONLY way to receive remission of sins is through baptism and when we arise from that watery grave we are in a perfectly sinless saved state (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:4-6). Once we have been indwelt with the Holy Ghost through baptism, we then have direct access to the Father through prayer in the name of Jesus our mediator for the forgiveness of any sins we commit after baptism (1 John 1:9-10, 1 John 2:1-2, John 14:13-14). The Church is not a building and it is not a separate institution either. The Church is the body of baptized believers and Christ is the head (Colossians 1:18).
So you're calling Christ the head of the Church and then saying remission of sins isn't granted? To be the head is to be part of the body.
Remission can only be granted through Christ, correct? Or is John 3:16-18 and Acts 5:31 irrelevant? When a bride and groom are married they're basically one in the same. Is this not the case with Christ and His Church?
In anycase, you're going to have to do better with the description. Because we're either referring to water baptism or the actual spiritual baptism of the Holy Spirit which are two separate things with different purposes.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
Peter was asked what must we do to be saved. Peter then answered that everybody must repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and they will receive the Holy Ghost. You can't get any clearer than that.
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47)
The word "church" itself literally means "the called out". The group of people who have obeyed God's call to be saved are the Church.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18)
The Church is not equal with Christ, the Church belongs to Christ. Christ paid for the salvation of his Church with his own blood; we are not equal with him, we are his servants and his bride.
Doesn't change that he operates through the Church, us in Him and Him in us. Remember Matthew 18:20.
It's safe to say where the brethren are as the body, Christ is there as well. Hence why I haven't an issue saying remission is given among the brethren. Naturally such remissions are in the name of the Christ, not a priest or long passed on Saint.
It's impossible to deny Christ as separate, but it's also impossible to deny He's among His people. Joshua 1:9 also comes to mind.
The Church in the past condemned more people than God ever would
The Church is not a substitute to God , neither equal nor in any ways superior , the Church obeys the Lord like everyone of us , if it doesn't it commits sin
It can be both hospital to heal the wounded , but is also a courtroom where people engage in holy matrimony , holy baptism and the passage of the dead to the afterlife ; as well it can mediate conflicts if people address to the priest or pastor regarding a matter ; last but not least for the poor it can also be a refuge , a sanctuary where they can listen the liturgy , receive some food and mercy from people attending or the church workers
A church is many things and can be many things for us , but there are of course many things a church is not