The Bible doesn't explicitly say you *have* to go to church "all the time" in a prescriptive, legalistic way. There isn't a verse that states "Thou shalt attend church every Sunday without fail." However, the Bible strongly emphasizes the importance of gathering with other believers for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mutual encouragement. Here's a breakdown of the relevant concepts and verses:
* Importance of Gathering:
* Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This verse is often cited as a key reason for attending church. It highlights the importance of mutual encouragement and accountability within the Christian community. The verse warns against neglecting the practice of meeting together, implying a regular habit.
* Examples of Early Church Practices:
* Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This describes the early church community and their commitment to regular gatherings for learning, fellowship, communion, and prayer.
* Acts 20:7: "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." This shows the early church gathering on Sunday (the first day of the week) for worship and teaching.
* 1 Corinthians 16:2: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." This suggests a regular, weekly gathering where offerings were collected.
* Purpose of Church:
* Ephesians 4:11-16: Describes the roles within the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) and their purpose: "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Church is seen as a place of spiritual growth, equipping for service, and building up the body of Christ.
* 1 Peter 2:5: "you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Believers are described as living stones being built together into a spiritual house (the church).
* The Body of Christ: The New Testament frequently uses the metaphor of the "body of Christ" to describe the church (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12). This emphasizes the interconnectedness of believers and the importance of each member playing their part. Just as a physical body needs all its parts to function properly, the church needs its members to be actively involved.
What the Absence of a Specific Command Implies:
While there's no explicit command to attend church every single week, the consistent emphasis on gathering, fellowship, mutual encouragement, and spiritual growth strongly suggests that regular attendance is important for Christians. The question is often framed as a matter of the heart. If someone truly loves God and desires to grow in their faith, they will likely want to be part of a community of believers and participate in the activities of the church.
Considerations and Caveats:
* "All the Time" is Subjective: The meaning of "all the time" can be interpreted differently. Daily attendance might not be necessary or even feasible for everyone.
* Valid Reasons for Absence: There can be legitimate reasons for not attending church on a given week (illness, travel, caring for a sick family member, etc.).
* "Church" as More Than a Building: It's important to remember that "church" is not just a building, but a community of believers. While formal church services are important, fellowship and service can also occur outside of those settings.
* Legalism vs. Relationship: It's crucial to avoid legalism. Attending church should not be seen as a mere obligation or a way to earn God's favor, but as an expression of love, a desire to grow spiritually, and a commitment to the Christian community.
In summary, while the Bible doesn't lay down a rigid rule about church attendance, it strongly encourages regular gathering with other believers for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mutual encouragement. It's presented as a vital part of the Christian life and a means of spiritual growth.