I just read that it is a mortal sin if you don't go to church, is that true?

Question

I believe in God, I pray, but I don't goto church every Sunday. Is that really sin enough to send me to hell?

Answer 1

The concept of ranking sins is a man made concept and is not found in the Bible. All sins are "mortal" in that they are all worthy of death.

"For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law." James 2:10-11

As to the circumstance of not attending church, this is the passage that most people go to in order to show that it is God's will for his children to be in fellowship with one another.

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25

Going to church "every" Sunday is another example of a man made teaching that seeks to deny God's grace and put people back into legalistic bondage. God has given all of his children spiritual gifts that He wants us to use to serve one another and as members of the body of Christ we are to be connected with each other but not according to some legalistic doctrine like the one you describe.

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

In this passage the Apostle Paul was writing to the churches in the province of Galatia whom he had heard were being led astray by legalistic Judaisers who were seeking to lead them back into bondage by denying God's grace and claiming that salvation came from works and not through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith-- just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." But the law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"-- Galatians 3:1-13

Anyone who claims that a believer can sin a "mortal" sin is like those Judaisers who think that mankind can be justified in God's eyes through works instead of trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Answer 2

No, its definitely not a si to miss church. However it IS a good idea to go as much as you can because it is the best way to "feed" your spirit. Reading the bible is definitely a step in the right direction, but sometimes it needs a little clarification, sometimes a lot. And your preacher has spent much more time studying it so he or she should be able to translate for you. Also, it seems easier to me to behave more like a christian the more time I spend around others that share my beliefs and that act the way I feel I should.

Answer 3

No you dont have to attend church every sunday but it is a good way to talk to others that believe. just pray about it and God will give you the answer

Answer 4

I'm not a Christian, Jew, Muslim, but am very religious. We don't have churches, sorta like the Amish, they don't have churches, but the use them for weddings and funerals. Nobody is more religious than the Amish.

Answer 5

You believe everything you read? According to the so called bible it is a venial sin

Answer 6

I know it says that we are not to forsake gathering togeather (to worship), but I do not know at what point (how little) it becomes a sin.

Answer 7

If you miss to attent a eucharistic celebration due to negligence yes it is. only if you were unable due to some unavoidable circumstances eg sickness

Answer 8

whoever told you that is probably a sinner (in his or her own right). anyway no, its not a so called mortal sin to miss church.

Answer 9

No! ...there is no law requiring church and Christians are not under law..the bible teaches to fellowship but it is not law...now we who are saved by Jesus have the law on our hearts but the penalty of law was paid by him.

Answer 10

stay at home and live true and believe in faith my great aunt erir lived everyday of her life

Answer 11

no where in the bible does it say to go to church so no