Local Church

Pastor Martin concludes his treatment of progressive sanctification by establishing that the God-ordained normal context for the believer's growth in grace is the life and ministry of a specific local assembly walking by the rule of Scripture. He proves the assertion from pivotal passages (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, Colossians 3, Hebrews 10) and the historical pattern of Acts 2:41-42, then draws three practical implications: it is a growth-stunting abnormality to be in Christ but not in his church by visible commitment, a growth-stunting irregularity to be formally committed but not integrated by practical involvement, and a growth-stunting immorality to be present in the body but harboring un-Christlike attitudes toward fellow members.