To answer this question we must first note that it is possible to be in a saved condition without being a member of any local church. When Philip baptized the eunuch (Acts 8), he was saved but not a member of any local church. When Paul first left Damascus after his conversion and came to Jerusalem he was refused membership at Jerusalem for a short time (Acts 9). Though saved, he was not a member of any local church during that period. Does this mean the Lord doesn’t care whether we are a member of a local church or not? No. Everywhere Paul went and taught the gospel a local church was established. When Paul came to an area where a church already existed, he attempted to join with that group. Paul wrote letters to local churches as did Jesus in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 1 Jesus is pictured as standing in the midst of the local churches of Asia and holding their destiny in His hand, as well as threatening to remove their candlestick (remove them as one of His churches) when they would not obey Him.
As mentioned under the previous question, there are certain things we must do collectively. Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 12:3-9; I Corinthians 12:12-27 are all texts telling us of the importance of our place in a local body of Christians. To not be a part of a local church when possible, is sinning.
Possibly related:
- Are there any circumstances in which it is scriptural for one church to send money to another church?
- Is it scriptural for various local churches to send their money to one central church who in turn uses that money to preach the gospel on television or send to another preacher?
- What church we are a member of is not important. The important thing is that we have come to Christ and are saved. Most all the churches are going to heaven, they are just taking a different path to get there.