Can you go to heaven with out going to church?

Answer 1

There is quite a bit of controversy over this. There are some who believe that it is a prerequisite for salvation that you attend church. The Roman Catholics once issued a decree "No salvation outside the Church" which was taken that, unless you attended Church you were not saved.

However, in Jesus' teaching, we are saved through his blood and by putting our trust in him and not by a man-made institution. Salvation comes by keeping his commandments - to love God and to love each other.

In China, as one example, the Church is still very much persecuted. As a result there are now millions of Chinese who worship in secret, on their own; they do not meet up as 'church' but, instead, pray and study The Bible in isolation in their own homes for fear of persecution. No one can say they are 'not saved' just because they don't go to church.

That said, attendance at church for those who are able has great benefit. It ensures that you do not stray into false belief without someone to guide you. You meet with fellow Christians who will support you and love you. There is something very special about corporate prayer as opposed to individual prayer. You make many, like-minded friends - for life. You have a great social life!

There is a story about a young man who called himself a Christian but who did not attend church, nor did he feel the need to. He was asked to visit a wise old member of the church. When he arrived, the old man didn't speak, but just sat near the fire in his room gazing at the burning coals there. They were all burning brightly and glowing with a bright red glow. Silently as the young man sat down, he took the tongs and took out one piece of coal and laid it on the hearthin front of the man. Within seconds, when alone and without other pieces around it, it quickly turned dull, until it was just a black cinder. Then, picking it up, he placed it back on the fire. Within a second or two that piece of coal glowed as brightly as before.

Recognising himself in that piece of coal the young man said "I think you have answered my question before I even asked it", and attended church regularly after that one inspiring meeting.

Also:

The Bible says that all believers in the world make up the 'body of Christ'. If you are part of the body of Christ and you are absent from your local fellowship then part of the body is missing. As a christian you have a part to play in the body of Christ.

These verses speak of meeting together:

Heb 10:24 Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good.

Heb 10:25 Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

Answer 2

Many believe that can't go to heaven, without having a relationship with Christ.