For Christians, there is no substitute for attending church. Many people, however, go to church if they feel they “need it” at the time. Christian motivation for fellowship must be to obey God and to give to others. It is important to attend church to express of our Love for God and to build up our spiritual strength. However, what happens to us when we habitually forsake the assembly?
You will begin to drift (Hebrews 2:1). Slip (pararheo) means, “to flow past, glide by, drift away” (Vine’s, V.1, 339). A ship loosed from its moorings drifts out to sea. Christians leave the church by gradually and subtlety forsaking the assembly. They drift away and became erring Christians (cf. Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20; 2 Peter 2:21-22).
You will begin to doubt (Hebrews 3:12-13). The Israelites wandered 40 years in the wilderness because of their distrust in God (Psalm 95). Yet, the Lord wants spiritually growth (1 Peter 2:2; 3:18). The Corinthians did not grow (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Those that stop growing are “blind, and cannot see afar off, and have forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9). We must grow or we will die!
You will become dull of hearing (Hebrews 5:11). The Hebrews had become dull of hearing, which caused their spiritual development to completely stop (5:11). Dull (nothros) means, “slow, sluggish, lazy” (Vine’s, V.1, 343). Lazy Christians cultivate no home for the Word in their hearts. Their hearts are crowded with worldly cares.
You will backslide (Hebrews 6:4-6). Remember there is a great difference between falling and falling away. Falling away is not just falling into some sin; it is actually departing from Jesus Himself. Hebrews is filled with warnings against turning away from Jesus Christ, the only source of salvation (2:1-3; 3:12-14; 4:1, 11; 10:26-39; 12:25).
You will face the wrath of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31). It is fearful indeed to one day face the God that has been rejected and offended so greatly! The Christian emphasis must be in accordance with 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.”
In conclusion, there is great danger in forsaking the assembly! A Christian has a biblical obligation to be faithful in attendance of the assembling of Christ’s church.
