Inter-Faith Series, Baptism: Are separated Christians members of Christ?

Question

Last question for the day. Thanks to all who answered my questions.

Answer 1

They may be members of the Body of Christ. As the Orthodox like to say, I know where the Church is but I do not know where it is not.

Protestants certainly do lack a fulness of faith, practice, worship and truth but may indeed be saved through God's mercy. It is more difficult for Protestants to endure in the faith because of their lack of the grace given in the Sacraments of the Church which were established by Christ to assist us to endure.

The last prayer of our Savior was that we all be one and in that all Christians share a common Baptism and opportunity to inherit the promise of the Gospel. May the Lord have mercy on us all.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 2

Separated?

Answer 3

Yes, Christians who have been truly baptised are our brothers and members of the Body of Christ although their union is not complete.

Answer 4

Yes, remember when the disciple complained to Jesus about one who would not follow them:

Mark 9:38
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

Jesus told his "only us" disciples this:

Mark 9:39
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

So you see Jesus has many who might not even attend the same denomination.

Answer 5

If Christians, being separated, were to get themselves stitched back up, they could become whole, once again!

Answer 6

yes but they are out of Gods will by not following his commandments.