…answers” about salvation (head knowledge) without ever having truly experienced the grace gift of salvation in Christ (heart knowledge). Evaluating the spiritual condition of others ought to be done very prayerfully, humbly and thoughtfully. Jesus warned about judging others when our own sins are great (Matthew 7:1-5; John 8:1-11). A pharisaical, harsh, legalistic holier-than-thou approach does not serve the cause of Christ well. On the other hand, failure to heed the Bible’s emphasis on the importance of a born-again fellowship that is abiding by Christ’s teachings does disservice to Christ’s cause also (1 Corinthians 5:9-13; Ephesians 5:1-7,27; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; Revelation 2:18-22). The very nature of our society adds to the challenge of maintaining a regenerate membership. For example, in our highly mobile and largely urban society often little is known about persons seeking membership in a church. This circumstance, combined with uneasiness on the part of church members concerning judging others, creates the likelihood that persons who may not have been redeemed will be accepted into membership. The pressure for increased size of church membership is cited as another cause. C. E. Colton observed from the perspective of a lengthy pastorate, “High pressure methods of evangelism by some well-meaning zealots result in decisions to join a church…

…sacrifice of animals. They served as mediators between the people and God. The High Priest, the head priest, was the only one, however, allowed to enter the Holy of Holies in the Jewish temple. This especially sacred place was separated from the rest of the temple and from the other priests and worshippers by a great curtain or veil. With the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, all of this changed. No longer was the sacrifice of animals appropriate, because Christ, the Lamb of God, had given himself as a sacrifice for sin. This was a once-and-for-all act. At the crucifixion of Jesus, the great veil in the temple “was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51 NIV), indicating that Jesus, the great High Priest, now mediated between God and humankind. No longer were priests of the Old Testament variety needed. Indeed, all who believe in Jesus become priests with direct access to God. Human mediators are no longer needed. We can go directly to God in prayer, confession, praise and worship. What an opportunity! But being a priest also carries responsibility. In the Old Testament, a priest in a sense represented God to the people. Today, the…