Who here believes that if you

**burton2019** · October 6th, 2008, 06:57 PM

don't go to church then you go to hell? Anyone here believe this? If so, why?

**plantsman** · October 6th, 2008, 07:01 PM

I despise the traditional church as it is throughout the US today. A direct result of Constantine's influence around 325 AD. Please, don't get me started on this topic...

**burton2019** · October 6th, 2008, 07:09 PM

My question was because I dont believe you have to go to church to get into heaven.

**plantsman** · October 6th, 2008, 07:12 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: burton2019</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My question was because I dont believe you have to go to church to get into heaven. </div></div>

I don't believe one does either. The American church is based on performance, tithing, performance, etrc. ad nauseum. Nothing scriptural about the traditional American congretation, church, body, etc.

**1inStripes** · October 6th, 2008, 07:33 PM

I do not feel as though you are HAVE to go to church to reach heaven, but you should try to find one that you believe is proper in the teachings of Christ, and its actions as a Church. No churches are perfect because they are made up of humans who all stumble and fall. Any church that thinks it is perfect is one I would gladly stay away from. I am thankful that I attend a church that I think does a good job teaching the Bible and represents itself well in the community for helping those in need, and welcoming anyone in no matter who they are.

**plantsman** · October 6th, 2008, 07:37 PM

Not "a church", "my church," etc. One church, period.

**imported_GC1** · October 6th, 2008, 08:05 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boney</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: burton2019</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My question was because I dont believe you have to go to church to get into heaven. </div></div>

I don't believe one does either. The American church is based on performance, tithing, performance, etrc. ad nauseum. Nothing scriptural about the traditional American congretation, church, body, etc. </div></div>

I agree that salvation isn't based on our performance, but the performance of One, Jesus. He did it all at the cross. But tithing is a Biblical command.

And IMO you don't have to go to church to be saved, but I beilieve if you are saved you will want to attend a church of your choice to fellowship with fellow believers. Plus God stranghtens our faith through hearing the Word.

**imported_ut1** · October 6th, 2008, 09:12 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: burton2019</div><div class="ubbcode-body">don't go to church then you go to hell? Anyone here believe this? If so, why? </div></div>
No.
However, IMO church attendance is important to spiritual growth. I know where boney is coming from, in that some churches are all about ceremony/who sees you/what position you hold/ etc. Not all churches are alike though, and some are really active in God's mission here on earth.
As far as tithing, 10% may sound like a good rounded number, but New Testament Christians are instructed to give "as God has blessed". Some early Christians shared all they had! I think you should not give a percentage, but in what God leads you to give after prayerful consideration. I give more at times, less at times, (but at least 10%) as the Spirit leads.

By the way, only one thing takes a person to Hell: rejection of Jesus Christ as the True and Living Son of God.