I don’t know that it was intended this way, but when I was I kid I got the definite impression the main reason for going to church was that it was a rule, and you have to follow the rules. As with any rule, breaking it would lead to a penalty. It wasn’t clear exactly how much of a penalty, i.e., could you go to hell for missing church? And if so, how many times?
This came from Heb. 10:25, usually quoted at me in isolation from the rest of its context. It says:
Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near. (Heb. 10:25, CEB)
But that doesn’t really do justice to the meaning in the larger passage. Take a look at Heb. 10:19-25.
Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the holy of holies by means of Jesus’ blood, through a new and living way that he opened up for us through the curtain, which is his body, and we have a great high priest over God’s house.
Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water.
Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.
And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near. (Heb. 10:19-25)
The gist of it seems to be: I don’t have to go to church; I get to go to church. It’s not about attendance; it’s about encouraging each other. I need building up, and I need to build others up.
I hear people say, “I don’t need to go to a particular building to worship God,” and there’s truth in that. But we don’t go there because we can’t worship anywhere else; we go there because we need each other. It’s not just about me. It’s also about me encouraging someone else.
That’s why I hope to see you Sunday. Whether you need to be there or not, I need you to be there, and you need me to be there.