"I Can Be a Christian Without the Church"

Many folks today take the view that they can be believers, even Christians, without participating with the church and her functions. They claim that the church has become "institutionalized", caring only for its million dollar buildings that are filled with hypocritical members. But truth be known, a person who makes such a statement is probably seeking justification for their personal decision not to participate with the worship and work of the body of Christ.

To those who make such assertions, we offer the following scriptural guidance:

  • Jesus died for the church, He purchased it with His blood. (Eph. 5:25; Acts 20:28)

  • Jesus Christ is the Savior of the church (the body). (Eph. 5:23)

  • The Lord adds the saved to the church, to be separated from the church is to be separated from the saved. (Acts 2:47)

  • The Lord provides spiritual nourishment to the church and He treasures her. One who has nothing to do with the church will miss this. (Eph. 5:29)

  • God gave Jesus Christ to be the head of the church. (Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18) If one is not in the church, one is not under the Headship of Christ.

  • God seeks worshipers to worship Him in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

  • Praising God takes place by singing collectively with the church. (Heb. 2:12; Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19)

  • Believers must meet together (Heb. 10:24-27). If one purposely neglects meeting with other believers, there’s no longer a sacrifice for sins.

  • Within the church, love, edification, comfort and support are shared. (Rom. 12:10; Eph. 4:29; 1 Thes. 5:11; Gal. 6:2)

Jay Launius
2021
Maud church of Christ
Maud, Texas