During the first advent of Jesus Christ on earth, he had cause to scold someone who showed lack of understanding and who did not realise the importance of his (Christ’s) mission. While he was preaching the person brought him a message to the effect that his mother Mary, and her other children who were his brothers in the flesh were waiting outside the crowd and desiring to talk with him.
Jesus chided: “Who is my mother? And who is my brethren? He then stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said , Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother sister and mother.” (Matt 12:46-50) Thus, it is clear from Jesus’ own statement that he attached more importance to spiritual union or fellowship than the relationship of the flesh. “Furthermore, Jesus Christ said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ” – Matt 7:21.
So it is in the God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), the true Church of God. It is the members who do God’s will by keeping the rules of Christ as taught in the GKS according to the Bible that are true members. Those who do otherwise are not recognised as members; if they claim to be, then they are the nominal type. Scripture say he that is a friend, must “show himself friendly”. And Jesus Christ also said that it is those who continue in his word that are his disciple indeed. (John 8: 31) However, cognizance is taken of those who are still new in the faith and who, like babes need to grow as to attain maturity in the Lord. – 1Cor 3:1,2; Heb. 5:12-14; 1Peter 2:1-3.
Some members of GKS, therefore, can be identified by qualities such as:-
FAITH in God, which should be shown by good works and participation in all activities of the Church. (Heb 1:6; Titus 2:14; 3:8; Jas. 2:26;etc) These embrace regularity at all assemblies of the Church, (Zeph. 2: 1-3; Heb 10:25,26, etc.) moral and financial report for the Lord’s work especially the payment of tithes and offerings as laid down in the Scripture for the maintenance of the Lord’s Ministry and execution of many charitable project of the Church.- Mal. 3:8-12; Mat 23:23; 1Cor 9:11-14; Deut. 15: 11; Ps 41:2,etc.
Love or Charity should be reflected in deeds of kindness both among members and non- members. Qualities such as gentleness, humility, patience, self-control, peace and so on, are borne out of love. St Paul admonished: “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. – 1 Thess. 5:15, Matt 22:35-40; John 13: 34, Rom, 13:9,10; 1 Cor 13:1-8,13; 10:32,33.
Bible or spiritual, wisdom and understanding should be used for the good and edification of the sheep of God. – Prov. 4:7-9;19:2; Hosea 4:6; Eccl. 7: 12; Col. 1:9-13; 1 Pet 3:18; 1 Cor. 14:20.etc
The fear of God and honesty. A God-fearing and honest person lives uprightly and refrains from evil in any shape or form.- Prov. 8:13;9:10; 16:6; 10:27-30;22:4; 1Thess. 4:11,12; 5:22,etc.
Obedience, loyalty and faithfulness. Moses was commanded in the scripture for being faithful. (Num. 12;5-8) The ability to keep faith or to be loyal and truly obedient to the tenets of Christianity is a very important requirement. This calls for submission to God Almighty and Jesus Christ as well as to the ruler or elders of the Church.- Ps. 101:6; Rom 13:1-5; 1Thess. 5:12,13; 1 Peter 2: 13-15; Rev 2;10, etc.
Self-denial and sacrifice. To a Christian the demands of Christ take precedence over human considerations or personal desires.- Matt. 6:25-33; 10:37-39; 16:24,25; Phil. 3:8, etc.
Whoever claims to be a member of GKS must endeavour to fulfil the foregoing vital requirements of God according to the Bible otherwise his or her claims is false and will not be of spiritual profit to him or her. No true member of GKS will be hostile to the Faith by way of engaging in malicious misrepresentation, and surmising, back-biting or attacks against the elders of the Church. Whoever does that among spiritually unlearned or unfaithful members, detractors or innocent members of the public IS NOT a member of GKS. If he claims to be then he is like those St. Paul called “false brethren.” – Lev. 19:16-18; Ps 50:19-22; 15:1-4; Rom 1:28-32; etc.
It does not mean one must be an angel or be holy before becoming a member of GKS. Sinners are welcome and abound in her like any other religious group (Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:23; 5:12 ;Matt.9:10-13,etc) But the point is that the GKS should not be taken to be a place for the promotion of evil practices but as a solid ground of truth for repentance. As true Christians, members must be good citizens, amiable and of good behaviour.- Col.1:10-13; Rom, 15:2; 1Cor 10:32; etc.
The GKS believes strongly in holiness, and so ALL the members are urged to aspire to holiness as enjoined in the Scriptures.”Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy.” – Heb12:14 1 Peter 1:15, 16.
First published in printed form April, 1981