Don't Be a Neo-Gnostic: Why Physical Assembly is Vital to the Christian Faith
In the book of Hebrews, the author exhorts believers to consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, and to not forsake the assembling of themselves together. However, there are those who embrace a false doctrine known as Neo-Gnosticism, which denies the physical body of Christ and seeks its own authority through a disjointed mystic hidden knowledge.
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
As Christians, we must be aware of this false doctrine and combat it by putting on the works of the new man. We must consider one another, think about those around us, and encourage them to use their gifts for God. We must not forsake the assembly, but instead engage in it by showing up to the shared time and space. We must exhort one another and spur each other on to follow Christ more fully.
The Neo-Gnostic is disjointed at best and amputated at worst from the body of Christ. They deny the importance of physical assembly and instead seek a virtual, individualized form of spirituality. However, as Christians, we know that physical assembly is vital to the Christian faith. It is through gathering together in Christ's name that we experience the supernatural power of grace - God's enabling power to accomplish His will. This grace flows among believers as they assemble and obey Him.
Furthermore, physical assembly is a tangible expression of our unity in Christ. When we come together, we are reminded that we are part of a larger body, and that we have a responsibility to love and care for one another. We cannot do this if we are disjointed or amputated from the body of Christ.
In conclusion, the rise of Neo-Gnosticism and the rejection of physical assembly poses a significant threat to the Christian faith. As believers, we must commit to showing up to church and being part of a physical body of believers. We must consider one another, stir up love and good works, and exhort one another to follow Christ more fully. Let us not be like the Neo-Gnostics, but instead embrace the importance of physical assembly in our pursuit of Christ.