Articles
Forsaking the Assembly
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NASB1995) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 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.
This passage is often cited to correct those who miss any assembly that happens at the building, but is this really what this passage means? Have we read something into this passage that is not there? Some believe that any member who misses any service at the building - without an adequate excuse – is “Forsaking the Assembly.”
Let us reexamine this phrase in question: “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some.” Assembling together would include times when a congregation meets to worship and/or meets to study the Word. It would also include the example where Christian meet in each other’s homes, in Acts 2:46-47 (NASB1995) Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
The Hebrew writer is teaching us that as Christians, we should remain connected and stand with each other, so that life pressures do not pull us away from the faith. The verse also encourages Christians to stir each other up in love and encourage one another in their faith, especially as Jesus' return draws ever closer. There are many ways that we should be spending time with each other, to include: Spending time eating common meals together, worshiping together on Sunday, gathering with each other to sing, pray, or study the Word.
What does forsake mean here, where else in the New Testament is this word used?
The verse uses the Greek word ἐγκαταλείπω (eng-kat-al-i'-po), which means " to leave behind in some place, i.e. (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad sense) to desert: - forsake, leave.”
• Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
• God did not “abandon” Jesus in the realm of the dead (Acts 2:27, 31).
• Paul said they were “persecuted, but not forsaken” (2 Corinthians 4:9).
• Several of Paul’s companions, including Demas, “deserted/abandoned” him (2 Timothy 4:10, 16).
• God promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
The word “forsake” carries with it the idea of “abandon” or “desert’ and that makes perfect sense in the context of being told that abandoning Jesus would be the worst mistake anyone could make. It seems that some of the Christians had already made it their manner of life (custom) to abandon, turn their backs on, and desert the meeting/assembling with other Christians. However, it is not fair to call missing a time that Christians get together, “Forsaking assembling together.” There are those who have indeed abandoned their church family, but not making it out every time is not the same as “Forsaking assembling together.”
Think about it this way: If a husband or wife is swamped with work at the office, and misses eating together with their family, have they abandoned eating together as a family? Hopefully, they miss their family and are disappointed that they could not all be together, but does it mean they have made it their custom to “Abandon eating with their family.” There are certainly some men and women who have abandoned, forsaken, or deserted their family, but it would be downright cruel to accuse a man or woman of abandoning his/her family in a situation like this.
Similarly, it seems a vast exaggeration to accuse someone of “abandoning” meeting with other Christians because they do not make it to every service. Does this mean it’s ok for Christian togetherness to not be a high priority in our lives? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Being together with our church family as much as possible should be an activity that we look forward to doing. But why one wants to be together is of the utmost importance. Christians who make it out to judge others who do not make it out to assemble or others who feel pressured to make it out just to keep certain brothers or sisters off their backs, are doing it for the wrong reasons! We should want to meet with other Christians for one reason, and that is that we are considering how we might be able to encourage one another unto love and good works.
We all ought to prioritize getting together with other Christians! The Hebrew writer is warning us against the complete abandonment of meeting with other Christians; and while one may not have abandoned assembling with others by only meeting with Christians once every Sunday for worship service; I do see the danger of only wanting to meet the minimum number of times before it crosses over into forsaking. Our lives are full of commitments and obligations, and I do not judge those who have decided not to make it to Bible classes or other gatherings. What I do wish we all would do is simply examine ourselves honestly. Where are your priorities? If you come to gatherings, why do you come? If you do not make it out, why do you not come?
Colossians 3:1-2 (NASB1995) Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Where is your heart?
The last thing I wish to do is guilt anyone into meeting with other Christians, because then you are coming for the wrong reasons. The Hebrew writer is telling us to grow closer together. He is telling us to figure out ways to grow in our desire to encourage each other. He is telling us to encourage each other more and more, so that no one walks away from the love of Christ. He is telling them not to turn their backs on the blessing it is to have this new family in Christ. We as the family of God, ought to create and utilize the opportunities we have to encourage one another, as often as we can, to grow in both our love for Christ and our love for one another!
