Romans 1:11-12 Participation in Church

Rom 1:11-12  “For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.” (NASB)

Paul, in his opening remarks to the believers in Rome makes mention of his desire to spend time together with them.  I believe this passage is one we read over quickly just to get to the real meat of the letter.  This time through though it caught my eye so I think it deserves a comment.

We’ve all heard it, maybe even said it and I’ll go so far as to say, we’ve all one time or another thought it, “I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian”.  Let me surprise you by saying, that’s absolutely true.  Being a Christian and attending a church are not linked as a condition of salvation.  We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone.  (See Romans 3:20-26)

I’m not writing this to encourage you to skip out on church though; just the opposite.  Although our salvation is not linked to church participation the Bible says we should attend church.  Hebrews puts it this way,  “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (10:24-25)

Well, the Hebrews passage gives it away.  Paul’s encouragement to the Romans concerning his visit was that there would be a benefit.  The benefit would be in establishing their faith and providing them encouragement.  But Paul doesn’t stop there he reveals that his visit would be an encouragement to him.  Exhibition of one another’s faith is an encouragement each to the other.  The Hebrews passage uses the phrase, “Stimulate one another to love and good deeds”.

So no matter what your opinion of church or churches, no matter what your experience with good, bad or indifferent churches, there is no excuse for misunderstanding.  We should gather together in a healthy local church regularly.  Attending church is good for you – JUST DO IT!  AMEN! 

It is my hope you are involved in a healthy local church.  If you are in or near Wasco and would like to attend church you are always welcome at Grace Community Church - corner of Cedar and 7th St.