Ask a Pastor Column

Q: Does a person have to go to church to be saved?

A: There are multiple scriptures throughout the Bible that tell us there is only one requirement for receiving forgiveness of sins and everlasting life as a free gift; believing in Jesus Christ. (John 3:18; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 4:5; Eph. 2:8-9).

That being said, salvation is more than a ‘get-out-of-hell-free’ card, it is a life-changing experience that serves as the beginning of a whole new life. If we have genuinely placed our faith in Christ, we should have a desire to get baptized, spend time around other believers, learn more about God and the gospel, worship Him and tell others about Him. Attending a good, Bible-teaching church is the easiest way to accomplish these things. In fact, these actions follow salvation so naturally that they are sometimes included in gospel invitations (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; James 2:26)!

In short you do not need to attend church, be baptized or do good works to become a Christian or have eternal life (John 5:34; also think of the thief on the cross in Luke 23:39-43). However, these actions are vital parts of being a Christian. If you have placed your faith in Christ, I strongly encourage you to be baptized and become involved with a solid bible-teaching church! 

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