Why Church?

A friend of mine posted a question on his blog asking "Why do you go to church?" This is a great question. I would love to hear your thoughts on this too. Here is my response:

I go to church for several reasons. First, Christ died for the church. Paul writes, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27 ESV).

If the main point of Christ’s death was to redeem the church and set her apart for himself, I want to be a part of the church, devoting myself to Christ by devoting myself to His body and His bride.

Second, the church is the primary means through which God is accomplishing His divine mission in the world. Luke writes, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 ESV). I want to participate in that mission.

Third, through the church God supports and chastens the believer to become more like Christ. I want to be like Christ; so I seek to actively give and willingly receive admonition and encouragement. Paul writes, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2 ESV). And in Hebrews we read, “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end” (Hebrews 3:12-14 ESV).

Fourth, I go to church because I am imperfect--a work in progress. I imperfectly remember and strive after God in all arenas of life. Indeed we are all still imperfect and in need of God’s continued sanctification in our lives. I go to church, not because I’m perfect, but because I’m not. I need God’s grace and help. Thankfully he offers this help to us in the hands and feet of His body and bride, the church.

Finally, God is glorious and holy. He is the rightful end of all things and worthy of all praise. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36 ESV). God is deserving of worship for no other reason than His character alone. However, He has graciously accomplished salvation through His Son and by His Spirit in the lives of everyone who places their faith and trust in Christ. I choose to go to church, because it is a congregation that has been called and is devoted to the praise, honor, and glory of God through worship. In the congregation of the church I am able to fulfill my calling to worship my Creator and Redeemer alongside others who share the same calling.

Recognizing Christ’s great love for His bride, God’s purpose and mission for the church, my own need of encouragement to be and become who He has called me to be, as well as the calling of every believer to lovingly encourage others toward the same goal and worship our God, I choose to participate in the Christian church.