Sacred Assemblies

The Bible refers to the church as “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). This symbol helps us to understand the vital importance of being united with our church family. Likening church members to different parts of a physical body, the apostle Paul writes that “the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’ ” (1 Corinthians 12:21). Said simply, we need one another! The church needs every one of its members, and every member needs the church. It is spiritually fatal for any Christian to attempt to live a life independent from the life of the church.

“Another obligation, too often lightly regarded, . . . is the obligation of church relationship. Very close and sacred is the relation between Christ and His church—He the bridegroom, and the church the bride; He the head, and the church the body. Connection with Christ, then, involves connection with His church. The church is organized for service; and in a life of service to Christ, connection with the church is one of the first steps. Loyalty to Christ demands the faithful performance of church duties” (Education, pp. 268, 269).