Do I need to belong to a church to be saved?

Author
Elder Jim Fairchild

 The gospel is more than a message; it is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It proclaims forgiveness of sin and offers healing from separation, brokenness, and the power of violence and death. This healing is not limited to individuals alone; it extends to human societies and even to all of creation.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 NRSV

At the heart of the gospel is God’s grace; a loving gift that cannot be earned but is freely given. Through faith and repentance, we step into this new life, one marked by restoration, peace, and hope.
 
Jesus Himself described this invitation in simple yet profound words:
“I am the door. Whoever enters through me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” John 10:9 (NRSV)
 
In this statement, Jesus paints a picture of safety, belonging, and abundance. Just as sheep find rest and nourishment when they pass through the shepherd’s gate, so too do we find true life when we enter through Christ.

The gospel is not only about what we are saved from: sin, death, and despair; but also about what we are saved for: a life of love, reconciliation, and participation in God’s renewing work in the world. It is about communities healed of division, creation restored from exploitation, and hearts transformed by grace. This new life is the loving gift of God’s grace that becomes ours through faith and repentance.

“Always remember, the way of suffering love that leads to the cross also leads to resurrection and everlasting life in Christ’s eternal community of oneness and peace. Trust in this promise.” 
D&C165:6c

​Baptism is how we initially express our commitment to lifelong discipleship. As we yield our lives to Christ in baptism, we enter Christian community (the body of Christ) and have the promise of salvation. We experience salvation through Jesus Christ, but affirm that God’s grace has no bounds, and God’s love is greater than we can know.

​Jesus Christ invites people to follow him by becoming disciples who share his life and ministry. Undertake compassionate and just actions to abolish poverty and end needless suffering. Pursue peace on and for the Earth.

​As a church, we are called to embody this good news. We are invited to be a people who live out forgiveness, who work for peace, who resist the powers of violence, and who bear witness to the healing love of Christ.

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20 NRSV

​Do I need to belong to a church to be saved?

NO!

​You need to belong to Jesus Christ!

Click the button to visit the “Who is Jesus Christ?” page on this website to learn more about Jesus Christ, how you can belong to him, and why we follow him in discipleship

Who is Jesus Christ?