Stephanie Herring asks: Hi there, I'm a 16 year old from Texas. My question is, must Christians attend church? Like, is it required for salvation? Cause our youth pastor makes it sound like you are not saved if you are not attending, but isn't salvation by grace alone? Like can't we have a relationship with Christ from home? I don't want to be disobedient, but I also don't want to be taught wrong. This bothers me cause I know that some of the teens in my church are like worse than some non-believers. Sorry for the long question, but I love the way you all explain things. I've learned a lot from this site. Thanks for your time!!

Hi Stephanie. First off, we'd like to thank you for taking time to read our content, especially at your age.

Secondly, you're are 100% correct in understanding that attending church has nothing to do with salvation, as salvation is by grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

However, if we are going to live in accordance to what the Bible teaches us, then it is important to understand that the Bible teaches us that the "Christian life" is meant to be lived within the context of a church family (Ephesians 3:4-15, Acts 2).

Just as you mentioned not being disobedient, Romans 10:25 says "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing".

In fact, what we don't find in the Bible, is examples of Christians living a life apart from their family of faith.

Lastly, it is impossible to grow spiritually without being part of a well-balanced and healthy church that helps us learn, serve, and work together, as the first century Christians did as they "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).

Hope this makes sense to you, and that you continue to follow Christ in this journey. God bless you.

Comments:

Stephanie Herring: Thanks for taking my question! I will continue to attend church. Thanks for always having great answers. I hope to one day learn as much as you guys know. Thanks for what you all do!!

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: You definitely don't need to wait for one day. You can take advantage school life to spread the Gospel.

Joel Santiago: Love what you guys do! Thanks!

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: Thanks Joel. God bless you.

Acts 2:42

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."