Introduction

I respectfully invite you to reread Ephesians 4:10-14, paying close attention to verse 12. Is there any mention of the perfecting or equipping of sinners? No. It speaks about the perfecting and equipping of saints—believers made righteous in Jesus Christ.

The Purpose of the Church

Our Lord Jesus gifted the Church with apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the equipping of saints (the righteous and consecrated), to prepare them for ministry and to build up the body of Christ. The Church’s mission is not to create "sinners' clubs" or "dens of robbers," but to help believers grow in righteousness.

When the Church reaches out to the unsaved and they repent and receive Jesus as their Savior, they are spiritually born again by the incorruptible seed of God (1 Peter 1:22-23) and are made righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). These new believers become children of God (John 1:10-13), delivered from the dominion of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:12-14; 1 Peter 2:9).

The Call to Fellowship and Growth

Once saved, believers are encouraged to fellowship with other saints in local ekklesias (churches), under Godly servant-shepherds who help equip them for maturity in Christ. As stated in Ephesians 4:13, the goal is for all believers to attain the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, growing into the fullness of Christ.

First, we are called to be saints—made righteous in Christ by grace and faith. Only local churches, whose members are registered in the "Church in heaven," can equip saints properly for righteousness, teaching them according to the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Problem in Today's Church

Sadly, many "shepherds" today are allowing unrepentant sinners to remain in their sin, while the true saints, those seeking God’s will, are being led astray by worldliness. In these last days, many believe they can sin freely without consequence, thinking "Jesus went to hell for them." This mindset is corrupting the Body of Christ.

A Call for Repentance

Dear friends, isn’t there a need for repentance? Jesus alone can hear our cries, see our repentance, and restore us to righteousness. We must cry out:

"Lord Jesus, have mercy on us. Forgive our waywardness, cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and make us whole again for Your glory."