Yes. In both the Old and New Testaments there are numerous passages enjoining attendance in God's house as a duty, a delightful pleasure and a great spiritual privilege. See Lev. 8:3; Deu. 4:10; Psalms 23:6; 26:8; 274; 84:1,4,10; 122:1; Neh. 13:11; Micah 4:2; Matt. 18:19, 20; Acts 4:31; 15:25; Heb. 10:25. Take your reference Bible and look up, through the marginal notes, still other references. Church-going is both a duty and a privilege, and he who neglects it misses a great blessing and much of the enjoyment of spiritual life and growth. The Psalmist tells us that a day in God's courts is "better than a thousand." We are frequently reminded in the Scriptures that it is a duty. See Heb. 10:25; Psalms 111:1; Matt. 18:20, and other passages. True there are other forms of public confession besides that of joining a church, but that is the ordinary and recognized mode. It is the duty of every Christian to identify himself with a Christian church, that he may make it known where he stands, that he may help in advancing Christ's kingdom and that his own soul may be nourished by the association with other Christians.
