While attending a church building does not save anyone, the Bible is clear that belonging to the body of Christ includes gathering with other believers. A person may come to faith in Christ apart from church, but ongoing refusal to assemble with the saints contradicts the pattern and commands of Scripture.
Hebrews 10:24–25 says:
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.”
The early church met regularly for teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Being part of the church is more than attending a building, it is being joined to the body of Christ and living in accountability, service, and mutual edification.
Ephesians 4:16 describes the church this way:
“From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies… causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
A professing Christian who avoids fellowship is missing essential aspects of discipleship:
- Teaching and sound doctrine
- Communion and baptism
- Correction and accountability
- Mutual encouragement and service
1 John 2:19 warns:
“They went out from us, but they were not of us…”
Persistent isolation from the church may reveal a heart that was never truly converted. While occasional absence does not disqualify salvation, a pattern of withdrawal is a spiritual danger.
The church is Christ’s bride, His body, and His family. A true believer will desire to be with God’s people and grow in community. Loving Christ includes loving what He loves, His church.
