Worshiping with the Saints

In Hebrews 10:24-27 we read, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries."

The Christian's duty is to attend the assembly of the saints and partake of the Lord's Supper. It is an essential part of holding fast the profession of our faith without wavering. To willfully forsake the assembling of the saints is clearly a very serious sin. The Hebrew writer went on to say, "For we know Him who said, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. And again, 'The LORD will judge His people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:30-31).

God knows when we are providentially hindered from attending a worship service, and He knows when we're just neglecting and forsaking. He is a righteous judge, and He will repay. The willful sin of neglecting the assembly and meeting around the Lord's table can be forgiven if we repent; however, it cannot be forgiven as long as one willfully persists in forsaking. When we willfully neglect the assembly and do not meet around the Lord's table, there remains no way for Christ's sacrifice on the cross to cover our sins. If we continue to willfully stay away, there remains only a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation.

Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Do you love Him? Do your plans include worshiping God in the assemblies of the saints?