The Bible requires us to continue gathering as a community of Christians whenever it is feasible. Hebrews 10:24–25 states, “And let us think about how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some.” Therefore, you should attend religious services on a regular basis if available.
Part of Christ
This question is really about what it means to be a Christian and what the Church is all about. At this stage, the two are intimately associated. When someone converts to Christianity, they are no longer a single individual. Instead, he integrates into the body of Christ (the church). “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and all were made to drink of one Spirit,” writes Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:13.
Put another way, a person is baptized into Christ’s body when they become a Christian. And like other Christians, he is a part of that body. In lines 14–26, Paul proceeds to compare the church to a body and makes the argument that, just as every component of the human body—the eye, hand, arm, leg, etc.—is necessary, so too is every portion of Christ’s body. In verse 27, Paul wraps up his case by saying, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
We need each other
Accordingly, if a Christian does not belong to a church and does not regularly visit it, he is essentially telling other Christians—the other parts of the body—that they are not needed (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:21). But the truth is that, much like a human body needs every component, so do we need each other. its head, limbs, feet, and so forth.
The New Testament has several images of the church that further demonstrate this corporate character of the church. Take the illustration of a temple found in 1 Peter 2:5: “You are being built up as a spiritual house, like living stones, to be a holy priesthood, to offer sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
The first line of this stanza uses the plural form “you,” meaning “you all together, like living stones, are being built.”
Commands to love or serve another
The New Testament is replete with instructions to love or serve one another because of this. because, as members of a single body, Christians depend on one another and we depend on them. Joining a local church is a great way to put this brotherly love into practice and see how all believers are one. A summary of some of the New Testament’s instructions is provided below:
- “Love one another with an earnest and pure heart, having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love,” says 1 Peter 1:22.
- “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” says Hebrews 10:24.
- Philippians 2:3–4 states, “Count others more important than yourself, and do nothing out of self-serving ambition or conceit. Let everyone of you consider other people’s interests in addition to your own.
- Galatians 6:1-2 states, “Brothers, you who are spiritual should restore anyone who is caught in any transgression in a spirit of gentleness.” Be mindful of oneself so as not to succumb to temptation.Take up each other’s burdens in order to obey Christ’s law.
- “So, having put away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another,” says Ephesians 4:25.
A church can help you to grow in faith
Growing in faith can also be greatly aided by regular attendance at church. It goes without saying that we should prioritize spending time with God as our relationship with Him is private. Nonetheless, joining a group of God’s people to serve, worship, study, pray, and advance spiritually can be incredibly beneficial. Thus, if you have the opportunity to join a local church, please do so! Are you curious about what to anticipate at a religious service? Check out our piece, “What Takes Place During a Church Service?”
