Does One's Salvation Depend on His Ability to Attend Church?

Does One's Salvation Depend on His Ability to Attend Church?

Dear Bro. Waddey:
Due to a stroke, I have not assembled with the congregation where I am a member for eight months. Since I have not taken the Lord's Supper for so a time, am I still cleansed by the Savior's blood? This has caused me to doubt my standing with God and someatimes my mind has evil thoughts.
-Abbot

Dear Bro. Abbot:
I am sorry to hear that you have been suffering from the stroke that has led to your confinement. May God hasten your recovery so that you can resume your assembling with the saints.

While the Lord's Supper is an important part of our Christian life and worship, it is not the means God uses to wash away our sins. The blood of Jesus does that (I Cor. 15:3). It continues to cleanse us from all sin so long as we are walking in the light (I John 1:7).

God does not expect of a person what he cannot do. A man whose ability to speak has been destroyed cannot sing, but he can be a Christian. A person imprisoned in some anti-Christian place might not be allowed to commune. Your sickness has kept you from the weekly assemblies, but in your heart you have not forgotten the Lord, or rebelled against him. You are still his child and still enjoying his mercy and forgiveness. Hopefully the day will soon come when you can once again meeting with your brethren. Why not call your preacher or elders and ask if someone could bring the Lord's Supper to you on Sunday. Together you could have a brief worship with scripture reading, prayer and communion. This many congregations provide for their shut-in members.

Be of good cheer. Never doubt God's love for you or the saving power of the blood of Christ. You made your commitment to the Master a long time ago. You have kept that to the best of your ability. Your home in His mansion awaits you (John14:1-3).

Sincerely,

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