Hi John,

I don't think I would make any vow to abstain from alcohol and tobacco in order to become a member of a local church. These things are adiaphora, and a Christian's conscience ought not to be bound in them except of his own volition and specifically to protect a weaker brother from stumbling, not in order to become a member of the church.

I'm looking to join a local PCA church here, and the vows for membership are as follows:

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1. Do you acknowelge yourself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?
2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?
3. Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?
4. Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?
5. Do you submit yourselves o the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?

Kyle

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified.