A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between membership in the local church and the universal church, arguing that true membership requires a spiritual rebirth and acceptance of Christ. He critiques the practice of allowing anyone to join a church without proper spiritual transformation, asserting that one must first be part of the universal church, which Jesus redeemed with His blood. Tozer stresses that accepting Christ inherently means accepting His people, as the church is the body of Christ. He encourages believers to seek the Shepherd by being among His flock, reinforcing the idea that rejecting the church is akin to rejecting Christ Himself.

John Gill emphasizes the true nature of a gospel church as the assembly of believers rather than merely a physical place of worship. He explains that the church is defined by the congregation of the elect, who are called out from the world to worship God together. Gill highlights the importance of mutual consent and agreement among members to form a church, which is essential for its identity and function. He also discusses the qualifications for church membership, stressing that only regenerate and faithful individuals should be included. Ultimately, the church serves as a spiritual body where Christ is the head, and its members are called to live in holiness and unity.