Joining a church doesn't. But having Faith and doing good Works because of that Faith (works are hard, but Jesus mentioned that getting into Heaven wasn't a walk down main street)does. We get Baptized, we live out the Faith. We should live it, not just sit back and bask in our supposed salvation.
My friend,
I've always wanted to ask this question.
If I acknowledge Christ as my saviour, I mean really really sincerely acknowledge Christ - am I saved?
What if I go around afterwards and kill, rape, steal, fornicate, show my parents disrespect, swear, spend all my family's money on beer and women, etc.?
But while doing all this I still really really really believe Christ is my saviour - am I still saved?
Because if that's all it takes then why does anyone have to be good?
Why would anyone want to do good deeds?
Why would we want to feed the hunger, give water to the thirsty, visit the sick and imprisoned?
Why would we want to love one another?
Because if I'm saved - what does it matter?