Does Attending Church Contribute to Salvation?

Direct Answer

No — attending church contributes nothing to salvation.

Les Feldick teaches that church attendance is a work of the flesh, and works cannot save. Joining the church has never saved anyone; it is something a person decides to do. Adding church membership to faith as a requirement for salvation actually cancels the work of the cross. Salvation is by faith only, plus nothing.

Key Scriptures

Romans 4:5 — It explicitly shows that the one who does not work but believes is justified, so church attendance cannot be added for salvation.

Romans 1:16 — It defines the gospel as the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, with no mention of church membership.

What Does the Bible Say?

Romans 4:5 says, "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." The Bible clearly teaches that righteousness is given to the one who does not work but believes. Romans 1:16 declares that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. No church attendance or membership is listed as part of that power. Galatians 5:2 warns that if you add any work such as circumcision to obtain favor with God, Christ shall profit you nothing.

What Does Les Feldick Teach About Church Attendance and Salvation?

Les Feldick is emphatic that church attendance does not save anyone. He points out that joining the church is something a person decides to do, and therefore it is a work. Les warns that when people add church membership, baptism, walking an aisle, or any other fleshly work to their salvation, they cancel the work of the cross. He says millions of church-going people will miss heaven because they have added something to 'faith plus nothing.' At the same time, Les clarifies that church membership, baptism, giving, and other good works are fine in their rightful place after salvation, but they have nothing to do with getting saved.

Is It Wrong to Attend Church?

No. Les Feldick is not against church attendance. He says joining the church is typical and something people often do. He also says he has nothing against people making a profession of faith by walking an aisle. The problem is when these activities are done for salvation. After salvation, good works are expected, but before salvation they cannot earn or add to God's grace.

Why Do So Many Church-Going People Believe Their Attendance Saves Them?

Les Feldick quotes Romans 4:5: "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." He applies this to people who say, "If I could just straighten up my life, then I'll get right with God." That is not the kind of person God can get right with. Many church-goers have added their own good works to the gospel, not realizing they are cancelling the cross.

From the Teaching

The Righteousness of God Without the Law Explained

You see, there wasn't a single person who had a knowledge of the one true God except when God was able to go down and touch Abram, knowing that he'd be a man who would respond, and then beginning with Abram, God made the promise, "...you're going to have a nation of people that are going to be the only people on earth who have a knowledge of the one true God.

Works Cannot Be Added to Faith

Les teaches that being justified by faith is faith plus nothing; any work like baptism or joining a church done for salvation will not be recognized by God.

Adding Works Cancels the Cross

Les warns that if you add church membership or any fleshly work as part of your salvation, you cancel the work of the cross; Christ will profit you nothing.

The Gospel Omits Church Membership

Les points out that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation and does not mention joining the church, baptism, tithing, or good works; these have nothing to do with salvation.

Work Not for Salvation

Les applies Romans 4:5 to show that God justifies the one who does not work for it; many church-going people have added something to the gospel and will miss heaven.

Joining the Church Never Saved Anyone

Les says joining the church is a work; walking the aisle is a work; giving and tithing can become works. None of these bring salvation.

God’s Promise to Abraham: Understanding Genesis 12 & 15

But you don't physically become a Jew at salvation. But we do have an affinity to this man Abraham. And what is that? Well, now, if you'll remember, all through the Old Testament, no one came into a salvation relationship with God apart from some kind of works. They brought a sacrifice. They worshiped at the temple and all these other things.

More Than a Rote Procedure

Les rejects the idea that simply going through a church procedure or walking an aisle by rote makes you a Christian; genuine faith, not a procedure, is what saves.

Bible Verses

Romans 4:5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

This verse directly supports the answer by showing that salvation comes to the one who does not work but believes.

Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

This verse defines the gospel as God's power to save, making no mention of church attendance or membership.

Romans 5:1: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This verse anchors justification in faith alone, not in works such as church attendance.

Galatians 5:2: Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

Les uses this truth to show that adding any work, including church membership, to salvation cancels the work of the cross.

Galatians 5:4: Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

This verse warns that seeking justification through works, like church attendance, separates a person from grace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does going to church every Sunday save you?

No. Les Feldick teaches that church attendance is a work, and works do not save. Many church-going people have added their church involvement to faith, not realizing that this cancels the work of the cross.

Is it okay to attend church after salvation?

Yes. Les says good works and church activities are fine in their rightful place after salvation. They are what God expects, but they have nothing to do with earning salvation.

Can joining a church help me get to heaven?

No. Joining the church is something you decide to do, which makes it a work. Les is clear that joining the church never saved anybody.

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Source Video

Watch the Teaching: The Righteousness of God Without the Law Explained