Hebrew 10:25A different view

[UsagiTsukino]

So some thinks this is not speaking of a church but of the second coming of Jesus. That we shouldn't use this to go to church.

http://truthmakesfree.tripod.com/NotForsaking.html

[PaulSacramento]

I don't think that there are any EXPLICIT passages commanding going to church per say, though there is certainly nothing wrong with going. It is up to the individual.
That said, the writer is correct that the term episynagōgḗ only appears in Hebrews 10:25 and in 2Thessolonias 2:1

Taken that into account, what we have is:
...not forsaking our own gathering together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.


As you can see, it doesn't really change anything of the original meaning of what the writer of Hebrews was trying to say, which was NOT about going to church or congregations and such BUT about not forsaking getting together to strengthen and encourage each other, as we do HERE for example.

Look at the whole part:

19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a [h]sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

The writer is saying:
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering.
24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.
... not forsaking our own assembling together
....but encouraging one another

So, he is saying to his readers to confess their hope to one another, to help each other with love and good deeds and to get together and encourage each other.

HOW and WHEN is up to them.

[EssentialSacrifice]

I don't think that there are any EXPLICIT passages commanding going to church per say, though there is certainly nothing wrong with going. It is up to the individual. agreed my friend !

As you can see, it doesn't really change anything of the original meaning of what the writer of Hebrews was trying to say, which was NOT about going to church or congregations and such BUT about not forsaking getting together to strengthen and encourage each other,


as we do HERE for example. agreed again, ... so what does this tell you ? is there a reason these passages cannot be / do both at once... if we're not forsaking getting together then we must be getting together in some location, way, shape or fashion. the location can always vary, the participants will not, as they are the body of Christ... "The Church"


1. Church(noun)
a Jewish or heathen temple

2. Church(noun)
a formally organized body of Christian believers worshiping together

3. Church(noun)
a body of Christian believers, holding the same creed, observing the same rites, and acknowledging the same ecclesiastical authority; a denomination; as, the Roman Catholic church; the Presbyterian church

4. Church(noun)
the collective body of Christians

5. Church(noun)
any body of worshipers; as, the Jewish church; the church of Brahm (church of G&S ?)

6. Church(noun)
the aggregate of religious influences in a community; ecclesiastical influence, authority, etc.; as, to array the power of the church against some moral evil

7. Church(verb)
to bless according to a prescribed form, or to unite with in publicly returning thanks in church, as after deliverance from the dangers of childbirth; as

8. Church(Noun)
A group of people who follow the same Christian religious beliefs, local or general.
http://www.definitions.net/definition/Church

So, he is saying to his readers to confess their hope to one another, to help each other with love and good deeds and to get together and encourage each other. sound familiar ?

HOW and WHEN is up to them. this church even dates and time stamps your words and encouragement ...

yep, pretty sure this place qualifies, definition-ally as church, so if you ever get that wild hair to quash church goers, well, now you've got a "There but for the Grace of God go I" going for you ! congratulations my friends