Do I Have To Go To Church To Be Saved?

This loaded question needs some dissecting before it can be answered. Allow me to respond with a question: Why do you ask? Has your church experience turned into a joyless weekly ritual? Do you feel spiritually stuck or restless? Some other reason?

The Bible encourages believers to stay connected and cautions us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Heb 10:25). But the scriptures also describe a powerful church with miracles, signs, and wonders. A vibrant community of believers who cared for one another and were in close fellowship.

But maybe that’s not your experience today. Maybe church for you is just something to get through on Sundays. If so, that’s too bad. It was never supposed to be like that. How about we clarify a few things to get the answer you’re looking for?

What Is The Church?

The church isn’t something we do or a place to go as many people think it is. It isn’t a building or a denomination. By definition, the church is literally the people of God. It’s his family, his household. Christ is the head of the church, and we are symbolically his body. Every born again believer is a member of the body of Christ. 

So the phrase “going to church” is a misnomer that doesn’t make sense. We don’t “go” to church because we are the church. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture as Psalm 100:3 points out.

But we’re even more than that. Check out how Almighty God views his people -  the church - in 1 Pet 2:9-10:

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

What an awesome perspective! God has such high regard for his people. We are the apple of his eye, and his love for us knows no bounds. Let us cast away the idea that church is merely something we do or should do. The church is the highly esteemed people of the Most High God!

Understanding Salvation and Church Fellowship

Now that we're clear on what the church is let’s focus on salvation. Salvation isn’t just a one-time decision for Christ. Salvation is a process of faith, obedience, and endurance. Matt 7:13-14 tells us, 

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 

The sad reality is that most people will not inherit eternal life. Most people will miss heaven and eventually find themselves truly lost forever in the lake of fire. We are commanded to remain in close fellowship with other believers to help each other stay the course and stay faithful to Jesus. We need each other, and others need you!

Heb 3:12-14

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 

That last verse has a great big “if” in it. IF we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end. That’s the endurance part of salvation. Too many Christians will start off great but will get caught up in the world and the cares of this life and quit. They probably don’t pray or read the Bible throughout the week, so Sunday mornings are the only time they get fed spiritually. Eventually, that too will stop. Don’t let that be you!

What Healthy Church Fellowship Looks Like

Peter preached the first gospel message of the New Testament to the Jews in Acts chapter 2. He preached how Christ died for their sins according to the scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures. He then commanded them to be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins and to receive the promised Holy Ghost. He was telling them how to be born again.

How did the people respond to Peter’s preaching that day? Let’s keep reading Acts 2:41-47

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Now that’s how the church is supposed to function! Eating up the apostles’ doctrine, enjoying godly fellowship, sharing meals together, and praying for each other. They were a dynamic interactive community that cared for one another and ensured no one lacked. They didn’t just sing a few songs and listen to preaching!

Unfortunately, most believers today have never experienced the power of God nor the close fellowship that the early church had. But It doesn’t have to be that way. God hasn’t changed. He’s just as powerful and loving today as he was back then.

A Final Word About Going to Church

It’s entirely possible to be saved without the fellowship of other believers. I say possible, not probable because the odds are heavily stacked against you. If you’d rather skip church, it might be time to seek the Lord for where he wants you to be or what he wants you to do. Maybe you’re done where you’re at he wants you to serve elsewhere. Maybe you need to repent, adjust your attitude, and submit to those who have the rule over you. 

Whatever the next step for you is, seek the Lord with an open, honest heart, and he will answer you!

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