In the past, a person who lost interest in the beliefs and standards of the church would usually simply stop coming to church. There were some, however, who continued to come to church even though they didn't practice what the church believed. Currently there seems to be a third class. These individuals don't even profess to have a church lifestyle. They bring their real lifestyle to church. In their opinion, how they live is their business. But we are assured that God will have a church without spot or blemish. The Word of God tells us that "Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:25-27). |