As a Christian raised in a family of pastors, attending church was mandatory. Since I have been in the Christian ministry for a long time, I discovered that some denominations are okay with church members not attending service due to other commitments.
As a student of the Bible, I was curious to find out what the scripture has to say about this. Is not going to church a sin?
In this article, I will shed light on how the Bible describes the church, what it says about Christians gathering together, and whether it commands Christians to attend church.
Join me on this exploration and discover whether missing a mass is a mortal sin in Catholicism.
Read on to learn more about this.
How does the Bible describe a church?
People often associate the Church with a physical structure; however, the scripture has a different definition.
Ephesians 1:22-23, “And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the Church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
According to the Word, the body of Christ is the Church, contrary to the definition of a church that can be locally built.
1 Corinthians 1:2, “To the Church of God which is at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.”
This verse gives insight into what forms a church, a group of people who believe in God.
What does the Bible say about Christians gathering together?
Numerous verses in the Bible imply the importance of gathering. Some remind Christians to gather for worship and encourage each other, as in this verse, Hebrews 10:25, “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Jesus led by example,
He honored the Sabbath day by going to Church for prayer. Most of the time, he was not alone; he was with his followers, and they prayed together.
Christians can emulate what He did with his followers. The Bible encourages harmony and peace, which we find through coming together.
It is essential to mention that the scripture clarifies what people should gather for worship. Therefore, Christians should gather for the right reasons, not to gossip or bring each other down.
Is missing mass a mortal sin in Catholicism?
Attending mass in Catholic Church honors the commandment as in Exodus 20:8. The Catholic Church has controversial guidelines which may lead people to question whether missing mass leads to committing a mortal sin.
There is yet to be an absolute answer. However, just like other churches, attending a catholic mass should be done not out of obligation but rather out of awareness of the benefits that come after.
Does the Bible command Christians to go to Church?
The Bible has texts that encourage Christians to attend Church. It remains a personal choice to fail or choose to attend. Believers of the Word honor the fourth commandment.
Exodus 20:8 says, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”
There are teachings in the scripture that may insinuate going to Church is a must, especially following the acts of Christ as He too honored the seventh day.
Why do some Christians believe not going to Church is a sin?
As mentioned earlier, there are different denominations, each giving different guidelines and teachings to its followers.
Some have made their followers believe failing to attend service is a sin, while others speak on the importance of attending one.
Others may think as a Christian, and one should do as Jesus did, which is going to Church and going against that is sinful.
Can you believe in God and still not go to Church?
It is one of the debatable topics in Christianity. Some believe failing to attend Church is not believing in God.
Other teachers of the Word have come out teaching that God exists anywhere and in our hearts; therefore, going to Church does not affect faith.
Mathew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
In this verse, Jesus talks of his presence among people who gather to worship him. He does not speak of a church; it could be two or three people, as the scripture implies.
What did Jesus teach about going to Church?
Jesus set an example by honoring the seventh day, not working but resting and worshipping His Father. He gave teachings on gathering for prayer and worship as He did with his followers.
Luke 4:16 talks of Jesus and his faithfulness in honoring the Sabbath as he prayed and worshipped in the synagogue.
Following the teachings of Christ, Paul writes this to believers of the Word who should honor the Sabbath.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 reads, “Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
In another verse, Mathew 16:18, Jesus talks to his followers about how He will make a church, showing the Church’s importance in His ministerial work.
Bible verses about Christians gathering together
Mathew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
We better understand God’s view on gathering together for worship. If two or more gather to worship, He guarantees His presence.
Psalm 50:5, “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” In this verse, God calls His followers to come together.
As we have seen in other verses, God is present among those who gather to worship Him.
Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Christians are reminded to live in harmony as it pleases the Father.
Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Here, the scripture calls out failing to come together and highlights followers of the Word should constantly encourage each other.
Acts 2:44-47, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common, and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts. They were praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
This verse is a perfect example of how believers of the Word should lead their lives through prayer and worship as God blesses and sees such deeds.
Acts 12:12, “When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark was Mark, where many gathered together and were praying.“
In the Bible, followers of Christ practiced as Jesus had taught them, gathering for prayer.
1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his son, cleanses us from all sin.”
Here, we learn the gift of worshipping together as Christ will purify our sins.
Ephesians 5:19, “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.”
This verse reminds followers of the scripture to come together for worship.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
