Salvation and Church Attendance: A Biblical Perspective
August 27, 2024
Katherine Schultz
In many Protestant Christian communities, there’s ongoing discussion about how attending church relates to going to heaven – salvation. In fact, there are a large number of people who identify as Christians who do not attend church at all, or perhaps only on special occasions like Christmas, Easter, or for a wedding. And there may be confusion between the role church attendance plays in salvation. While both salvation and church attendance are seen as vital, there’s often debate about their exact connection. Let’s explore what the Bible has to say about how church attendance relates to salvation from a protestant evangelical Christian viewpoint .
Understanding Salvation
In the Protestant Christian understanding, salvation, as outlined in Ephesians 2:8-9, is deeply rooted in God’s boundless love and grace. This divine gift, given to humanity through faith in Jesus Christ, stands as a testament to the great depths of God’s mercy. Salvation is not a reward for good behavior or a result of human effort; rather, it is a pure expression of God’s unmerited favor towards His creation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 serves as a cornerstone of this viewpoint, emphasizing the pivotal role of faith in Jesus Christ as the sole means of attaining salvation. It underscores the fundamental truth that salvation is not dependent upon our works or achievements but is solely dependent on our trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross. This passage makes clear the essence of grace – that it is freely given, unearned, and beyond human comprehension.
In essence, salvation is not a transaction but a gift – a divine gift where God offers forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation to all who believe in His Son. It is a clear demonstration of God’s love for humanity, made obvious in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to receive this gift with humble gratitude and to live in the freedom and hope it provides, knowing that we are eternally secure in God’s unchanging love.
The Purpose of Church Attendance
Hebrews 10:24-25 underscores why it’s crucial for believers to gather regularly. When Christians come together, they create a supportive environment where they can express their worship to God, deepen their understanding of His teachings, and encourage one another. So this regular fellowship isn’t just about socializing. It’s about creating a space where believers can express their worship to God, as well as uplift and strengthen each other’s faith. Through shared experiences of worship, and mutual encouragement, believers build one another up in the faith and build bonds of genuine Christian love for the body of Christ.
Church Attendance and Spiritual Growth
Colossians 3:16 illustrates how being part of a church community contributes to spiritual growth. Attending church regularly provides believers with opportunities to immerse themselves in God’s Word, receive guidance from trusted spiritual leaders, and find comfort and encouragement from fellow believers. And it’s the place where believers can offer their worship toward God not just for themselves, but also as part of a group of believers doing it at the same time in the same place. It joins us to other Christians from all over the world, and carries on a tradition of gathering that stretches back to the earliest believers, the apostles. Just as physical nourishment sustains our bodies, regular church attendance nourishes our souls, fortifying us spiritually and equipping us to face life’s challenges with faith and resilience.
The Sacraments and Church Participation
In Matthew 28:19-20 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Jesus instituted two powerful sacraments, baptism and communion, as symbols of His sacrifice and the believers’ union with Him and each other. These sacred practices serve as tangible reminders of the core tenets of the Christian faith and deepen believers’ connection with God and their fellow believers. Through baptism, believers publicly declare their commitment to follow Christ, while communion symbolizes their ongoing fellowship with Him and their fellow believers. These sacraments not only strengthen believers’ faith but also unite them in a shared expression of devotion and commitment to their Savior.
Church as the Body of Christ
The passage 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 beautifully portrays believers as interconnected parts of the body of Christ, each contributing uniquely to the overall health and function of the church community. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of unity, diversity, and mutual support within the body of believers. Just as each part of the body has its own function, each member of the church plays a vital role in fulfilling God’s purposes. When believers work together in harmony, the church thrives, reflecting the beauty of God’s design for His people.
Addressing Misconceptions
Titus 3:4-7 serves as a gentle reminder that salvation is not something we earn through our own efforts, but rather a gift freely given by God out of His abundant kindness and love. This passage underscores the importance of understanding that our actions alone cannot merit salvation; rather, it is through God’s grace that we are saved. Therefore, attending church is not a means of earning salvation but rather a response to the love and grace that God has already extended to us. It’s a way for us to express gratitude for His unmerited favor and to deepen our relationship with Him. By participating in the life of the church, we draw closer to God and grow in our understanding of His love and purpose for our lives.
Practical Benefits of Church Involvement
As if salvation weren’t enough, God graciously gives us other benefits of our relationship with him. And when he tells us to gather with other believers regularly for worship, there are several very practical benefits for this life even beyond the spiritual benefits it brings.
Proverbs 27:9 and Hebrews 10:24-25 offer insights into the practical benefits of being actively involved in a church community. While spiritual growth is certainly a significant aspect, there are also tangible benefits that impact our daily lives. Being part of a church provides a support system during difficult times, offering comfort, encouragement, and practical assistance when needed.
Additionally, it opens doors to opportunities for service, allowing us to use our gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Moreover, church involvement fosters meaningful relationships, providing a sense of belonging and camaraderie that enriches our lives and strengthens our faith. In essence, being part of a church community is about more than just attending services; it’s about experiencing the fullness of life and fellowship that God intended for His people.
Now What?
Even though attending church doesn’t bring us salvation, it is an essential part of the Christian faith journey. It strengthens our relationship with God and with other believers.
We are convinced of the immediate relevance of developing a 3-dimensional and biblical worldview in students so that they have a firm foundation of beliefs that they live out in their daily behavior as they continue with an attitude that orients their heart toward the Lord Jesus Christ throughout their lives. Sometimes we need help understanding our students’ worldviews better, in order to mentor and discipline them in spiritual formation. We have a tool for that, the 3-Dimensional Worldview Survey.
- What Is the 3-D Worldview Survey?
- Take the 3-D Worldview for yourself
If you haven’t yet used the 3DWS with your class, check out the pdf below for some sample questions from the survey to get you started.
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