The Sin of Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together.

The Sin of Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together.

-By Gbenga Fabunmi
Theme: The Purity of the Church.

"..That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That he might present himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish..." (Eph. 5:26-27).

Introduction: 
1). The above quotation from the book of Ephesians underscores the importance of the purity of the church built by Jesus Christ!
2). And it is very essential that we maintain this purity by "... laying aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us ran with patience the race that is set before us"(Heb. 12:1).
3). Why? Because, "...if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for for sin..."(Heb. 10:24-29).
4). With the above quotation and introduction, at the back of our mind, we want to discuss: The Sin of "Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together" under the general theme: "The Purity of the Church".

I. The Sin of Forsaking the Assembling - 
Definition of Terms:
i) "breaking of a religious or moral law; act which does this"- Oxford Mini reference Dictionary.
ii) "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law"(1Jn. 3:4; see Rom. 4:15).
iii) Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin"(Jam. 4:17; see Lk. 12:47; Jn. 9:41; cf. Rom. 1:20-21).
iv) "All unrighteousness is sin..."(1Jn. 5:17; see 1Jn. 3:4; cf. Matt. 5:37).

b) assemble(ing): 
1. "bring or come together"(Oxford Mini reference Dictionary).
 2. "If therefore, the whole church be come together into one place..."(1Cor. 14:23; see Acts 2:41-47; Lk. 24:50-53; cf. Heb. 10:25).
c). Forsake(ing) - 1. "without once help or companionship"etc.(Oxford Mini reference Dictionary).
2. "Not forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching"(Heb. 10:25; cf. Acts. 2:42; Matt. 28:18-20).
Note: From the meanings of the key words in our lesson, we can deduce that the coming together of the Saints into one place is a command and not a piece of advice!

II. The Sin of Forsaking the Assembling: 
What is it?

Going by both the dictionary and Bible definitions and meanings of sin, as explained above, the sin of Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves together is:
1. Lawlessness or transgression of the highest order! - 1Jn. 3:4etc.
2. It's unrighteousness, unfaithfulness and lack of commitment to our spiritual well-being! - 1Jn. 5:17; Matt. 5:37; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Rev. 2:10).
3. It's knowing that which is good and doing it not! - Jam. 4:17; Ps. 122.etc.

Conclusion: 
Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves together is a willful sin and it is as grievous as dissensions or rebellion! - Gal. 5:18-21.

(c)21st December, 2025. 
Gbenga Fabunmi,
Church of Christ, 
Koloko, Ibadan. 
08056048210 and 08120437761.
Delivered at the Church of Christ, Ajeigbe Ring Road Ibadan.

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