Question 400: Is Joining A Church A Means Of Salvation?

Answer:

Moshiach demands that His followers confess Him before men (see Luke 12:8, 9) and joining a church or Bible study group, is the recognized method of doing so. We are ordered not to forsake "the assembling" of ourselves together in Elohiym's Word. It places us on record. Beside this, it is a means of grace. One who turns his back on YHVH's Word and His people would be a very singular believer, indeed. In associating with YHVH's people there is mutual help and reinforced service. Then too, the believer would naturally wish to obey Moshiach's request, that his friends would remember him by partaking together of the bread and wine. There may be obstacles in the way of a believer joining a church, prayer or Bible study group, and we would not judge any man for holding aloof, but we should have very weighty reasons to justify him in doing so. Leading a good moral life and believing in YHVH is not however, sufficient of themselves for salvation. YHVH is not pleased when men ignore the way of salvation He has provided. Yeshua saith, "No man cometh unto the Father but by Me" (John 14:6).