In the previous article, we discussed some considerations regarding reception into the fellowship of a NT assembly, including exercising care in reception, and who should be received. We introduced the topic of baptism, understanding that baptism is not a door into the assembly, but a step of obedience that should be taken after salvation and before coming into assembly fellowship.
Let me reiterate that only believers who have been baptized by immersion after salvation should be received. Baptism by sprinkling is a prevalent doctrinal error; Acts 19:5 gives us authority for re-baptizing individuals who were only sprinkled. Some may object and say that we are making light, rather than life, the basis of fellowship, but no one has eternal life without some light. Anyone being baptized should at least see that their baptism is according to the Word of God – that is, by immersion – even if they don’t know much about the doctrine of baptism.
Believers received should be not only baptized since conversion’s day but also sound in life and doctrine. Reception is reciprocal. Every believer should be careful with whom he or she breaks bread. If a believer breaks bread with a company that holds fundamental errors regarding the person and work of Christ, he is a partner in their evil deeds. John teaches in his second epistle that we are not to bid such Godspeed or invite them into our homes, although we should have compassion on their souls if not truly saved. Since reception is reciprocal, not only should the assembly be prepared to receive to their heart’s affection, but the individual being received should be prepared to receive the assembly and all for which it stands. A denominational believer who acknowledges the authority of any other set of rules (whether that of a denomination or a creed, etc.) is acknowledging an authority alien to the Word of God. We desire to see in a candidate for reception submission to Scripture and evidence of owning the Lordship of the Lord Jesus in their lives.
A believer who is either visiting an assembly for the first time or unknown to the assembly should be commended by a letter (Rom 16:2; Acts 18:27; 2Cor 3:1). A letter is not really a ticket of admission, but rather a matter of courtesy. Visiting believers well known to the assembly should not be required to bring a letter each time they visit. But in 2 Corinthians 7:2, we should note that even though Paul was an apostle and had seen that large assembly planted, he did not expect to be received if he had wronged anyone, corrupted anyone, or defrauded anyone.
The overseers are responsible to act as closely as they can to the principles of the Word of God and to act in the best interests of the saints under their care. They are also accountable to the Lord as to teaching given in the assembly. An option that can be exercised in the discretion of the overseers is to allow a visiting brother to break bread but to prohibit him from ministry or teaching until they have more confidence in him. He would then be free to pray or give praise to God. Since sisters do not speak in the assembly gatherings, there would not be the same concerns. If an assembly believer without a letter has an attitude of being willing to submit to the overseers regarding sitting back or (if a brother) not teaching if asked not to do so, that is a good sign that they could be received unless there is a scriptural reason not to.
Our attitude should be positive. It should not be “How many can we keep out?” but “How many can we receive consistent with the principles of the Word of God?”
How should they be received?
Believers should be received Courteously. Every one of the characteristics of divine love in 1 Corinthians 13 was lived out in perfection by the Lord Jesus; surely, we all want to be more like Him. Our interactions with visitors who come to our assembly, whether saved or unsaved, should be courteous and kind. We should make all visitors feel welcome regardless of their background or appearance. If we invite saved persons to the breaking of bread, we should let them know beforehand what to expect; if we have already accepted them as believers, they should not be shocked at the meeting to learn that they will not be partaking of the emblems with us.
Believers should be received Heartily. We should make visitors welcome to our hearts and homes (Rom 16:2) “as becometh saints.” Paul adds, “And that ye assist her in whatsoever matters she may have need of you” (RV). If possible, it is good if one of the saints can invite visitors home for a meal, especially if they are from afar.
Believers should be received Unanimously. The whole assembly receives and the whole assembly puts away from the fellowship. Most often, it is the overseers who have the responsibility of handling the receiving, especially the initial reception. However, there should be at least a week’s notice to the whole assembly before the initial reception. That gives opportunity for anyone in fellowship to make known to the overseers something they may be unaware of which would disqualify that person from reception. Paul writes in Romans 1:7, “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints” (KJV). They are the ones to receive Phoebe in Romans 16:1, 2. He also writes, “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse” (Col 1:2). They are the ones whom he asks to receive Marcus if he comes to them.
Believers should be received Responsibly to all the privileges and responsibilities of the assembly. It is not merely receiving to the Breaking of Bread; that concept is not found in the NT (Acts 2:42; 9:28). If a visiting brother in assembly fellowship comes midweek and is capable of being a help in the weeknight meeting, it is becoming to read his letter of commendation at the beginning of that meeting. His letter could be read again on Lord’s Day morning if some are present who were not at the midweek meeting.
Believers should be received Impartially. James writes, “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, with respect of persons” (James 2:1, KJV). The following eight verses (James 2:2-9) also deal with receiving impartially. Partiality is inconsistent with the words “My brethren,” and also inconsistent with the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These principles from the Word of God should help guide us in assembly reception. But, if after considering these principles carefully, I suggest that if there is still some doubt about a visitor, it is better to err on the side of leniency than on the side of rigidity. “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Col 3:12, ESV).
