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The early Church fathers were, however, quite unequivical in condeming those who removed themselves from the ark of the Church.

The *church* is not an ark. It saves no one. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved except that of Jesus Christ.

The only safe place is Christ. HE is our refuge, not some organization.

And once we are born again, we are transferred into the kingdom of the Son God loves and are seated with Him in the heavenly places. Our salvation is complete in the spiritual realm.

For that reason, there is therefore no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

"The *church* is not an ark. It saves no one. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved except that of Jesus Christ. The only safe place is Christ. HE is our refuge, not some organization."

"We believe the Church as the mother of our new birth, and not in the Church as if she were the author of our salvation." — Bishop Faustus of Riez

Christ established His Church as the means by which people may come to Him. Hence, to willfully place onesself outside the Church founded by Christ is to willfully place onesself in opposition to Christ. Obedience to the Church of Christ is the way in which we comply ourselves with His will and are made, by Him alone, receptive to grace -- the same as with works.

"And once we are born again, we are transferred into the kingdom of the Son God loves and are seated with Him in the heavenly places. Our salvation is complete in the spiritual realm. For that reason, there is therefore no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Matthew 24:13, Matthew 10:22, Luke 21:19, 1 Corinthians 9:27.