Membership acceptance for the Church of God is based on acceptance of the church's ____.

• A. Gospel, grace, and salvation
• B. Gospel and grace
• C. Laws and statutes
• D. Teachings, doctrines, and government

Answer: (D)

Membership in the Church of God is based on accepting the church's teachings, doctrines, and government. The church defines a clear set of beliefs and doctrinal positions that members are expected to affirm, and it also operates under a defined leadership and governance structure that guides decisions, discipline, and church life. Accepting both the doctrinal framework and the church’s authority over its own affairs signals alignment with the church as an organized body. While the gospel and grace are essential to salvation, this emphasis shows that belonging to the church requires agreement with its specific teachings and governance, not merely a general belief in the gospel or grace. Civil laws or external statutes do not form the basis for church membership, since membership rests on agreement with the church’s own teachings and governance. Thus, teachings, doctrines, and government best describe the basis for membership.