The Role of the Covenant Church Member

Hebrews 10:19–25 KJV 1900

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Introduction

Everyone here is familiar with the concept of Church Membership. But I suggest our understanding of what that means varies throughout the audience. I want to further add to that confusion by inserting the word “covenant” and discussing the important subject of Covenant Church Membership. Some of you may be familiar with the concept of a church covenant. When we think of the church, we often think of what the church has to offer the individual, family, or community. What programs are available, what services does it provide, is the pastor going to feed me spiritually, are the deacons going to serve my physical needs? Those are the things one thinks of when he thinks of the church and church membership.

Many look at the church as a one-stop-shop totally committed to meeting each member’s needs. When the church ceases to meet their needs, they feel totally justified in shopping elsewhere for a church that will. 

What then do we mean by church covenant? For the most part, a church covenant is a declaration, which many churches ask their members to commit to, that outlines the duties and responsibilities of each confessing member. It has been described in this way:

A fraternal agreement, freely endorsed, that establishes what are, according to the Holy Scriptures, the duties of a Christian and the responsibilities which each church member pledges himself or herself to honor, in the best way possible.

What’s missing in that statement? The church’s responsibility to the member. We have covered that in discussing the offices of a Biblical church: elders and the deacons.

What is a Church Covenant?

It is restricted to those who have believed in Christ unto salvation and have acknowledged him as Lord publicly through believer’s baptism.

It is a promise made to God, a local church, and to one’s own self.

It is a summary of how we agree to live as God would have us to live.

It is a sign of a commitment to God and to a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ to pursue personal holiness.

It is a commitment to accountability by other professing believers, and to restore disobedience brethren to right relationship with God and the fellowship.

Where Do These Principles Come From? From the text of scripture.

Restricted to Baptized Believers

Hebrews 10:19–20 KJV 1900

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

One must be in Christ to be in the Church. It is the principle requirement for membership.

Submitting in Promise to One Another to Keep the Law of Love

Hebrews 10:21 KJV 1900

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

Everything we do, we do as unto Christ.

Committed to Personal Holiness

Hebrews 10:22–23 KJV 1900

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Committed to Accountability

Hebrews 10:24–25 KJV 1900

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Application & Closing

Will you covenant, promise, swear an oath to:

work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

affectionately care for each other and faithfully encourage, strengthen, and even admonish one another as necessary

commit to assembling together with one another

disciple those under your care

rejoice for one another

bear one another’s burdens

love mercy, seek justice, and walk humbly before God

support the ministry of the church

pursue the salvation of family, friends, and others through evangelism

if one moves, to unite with some other church

Let me leave you with two verses:

Hebrews 4:14 KJV 1900

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Colossians 1:23 KJV 1900

23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

These commitments; this covenant, helps us to hold fast our confession and to continue in the faith, grounded and settled; steadfast.