On the first day of the church's existence those who repented and were baptized were saved (Acts 2:38). And from that day forward all those who were saved were added to the church (Acts 2:47). According to this verse (Acts 2:47) it was God who did the adding. Therefore, in seeking to follow this pattern, we force them through a required series of studies. We have no right to demand anything beyond their obedient submission to the Savior.

The conditions of pardon which are taught in the New Testament are:

• One must hear the gospel, for "faith comes by hearing the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
• One must believe, for "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6)
• One must repent of past sins, for God "commands all men, everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30)
• One must confess Jesus as Lord, for he said, "He that confesses me before my father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32)
• And one must be baptized for the remission of sins, for Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins..." (Acts 2:38).

When one becomes a Christian, at the same time, becomes a member of the church. No further steps are required to qualify for the church membership.