Does Ephesians 1:13 require church membership for salvation?
No, Ephesians 1:13 does not require church membership for salvation. Paul writes to believers, explaining that after hearing the Word of Truth—the Gospel that Christ died, was buried, and rose—and believing, they trusted in Christ. The passage says nothing about church membership as a condition.
Les explains that Ephesians 1:12-13 is written to believers, not to the lost. The order is hearing the Word of Truth—the Gospel of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection—considering it, understanding one's sin and Christ as the remedy, then believing. After that belief, Paul says nothing about church membership. Les notes many couples from various denominations were surprised because this isn't what they'd been taught. He clarifies he is not against the local church, but the verse simply does not list church membership as a condition for salvation.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
More Questions
What is the order of salvation in Ephesians 1:13?
Ephesians 1:13 shows the order of salvation—you trusted after you heard the word of truth—which means no one could have been saved as an infant or saved by something someone else did for them; a person must hear the word of truth.
Does Ephesians 1:13 teach that salvation is faith plus nothing?
In Ephesians 1:13 Paul attaches no other requirements to salvation besides faith; the other things people add to salvation are not in the verse, so salvation is faith plus nothing.
Does the Bible say you must be baptized and join the church after believing to be saved?
The Bible does not say that after you believed you also had to be baptized and join the church; those words are not in the verse.