Someone asked me this week; Do I have to go to church to go to Heaven? That started me thinking about our churches. Do we really need our churches? After all, we can watch church services online, TV, or listen on the Radio. So, why do we go to church… or maybe should I ask, why don’t we go to church. Let us explore these questions a little.
Have you ever thought about why you go to church? I mean really thought about it. Some of us started attending church services as a kid or even a baby. Our parents took us to church. When we became teenagers, we didn’t want to go to Church, but our parents made it mandatory for us to attend. I’m sure glad they did.
There are many reasons we attend church today. Some say, “It makes me feel good.” Some for the fellowship & the social aspect, some for the music, and some for other church activities. Many churches today have become an entertainment venue. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with church activities, but is this the real reason you go to church?
Others might say, I go to church to worship God. What does that mean, “to worship God?” The dictionary, the most common word for “worship” in the Bible, literally means “bend over” or “bow down.” It describes a gesture of respect or submission to human beings, to God, or to idols. The Bible describes true worship in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Take note it says, “with ALL“.
So again, I ask the Question, why do we go to church? I think it all comes down to our motives. Are we going to church for ourselves (selfish reasons) or to truly worship God. Isaiah 29:13 “Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,“. Basically, this verse is saying people are giving God lip service and it is not from the heart. Just meaningless words and rituals. They are doing this because they have been taught to fear God.
Now back to the original question. Do you have to go to church to go to Heaven? The answer is no, you do not have to go to church to go to heaven. Remember the thief on the cross hanging next to Jesus. I don’t know if he ever went into a church, and if he did it was not enough to get him to Heaven. This man made it to Heaven because of who he knew and had a relationship with Jesus. In his dying breaths, He ask Jesus to forgive him.
Then why do we go to Church? In Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “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, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” It says not to forsake the assembling or meeting together for love and good works. It goes on to say, exhorting one another or lifting and encouraging each other especially before the rapture.
It’s always better to have more than one person when trying to do anything. If you ever try to move from one city to another, the more people and help you have, the faster & easier the task will be. Jesus told us “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20. What a great promise. Jesus will be with us when we are together.
Going to church is very important for a Christians well-being. Just like you can live a very long life without seeing a doctor. I know there are few people who will never see a doctor, but for most of us, we will develop a good and beneficial relationship with our doctor.
In closing, do you have a good relationship with your spiritual Doctor? Your spiritual Doctor is Jesus. It’s through Jesus that we can receive eternal fellowship with God. John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me“.
Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and arose from the grave. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and in Romans 10:9 tells us, that “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“
I pray you will go to church with the right motivation to worship God. If you would like for me to pray with you, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentPromises.com. May God Bless and Keep!
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place where we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
