In an age defined by hyper-individualism, it’s tempting—even for Christians—to think of faith as a purely private matter. But the historic witness of Scripture and the Reformers speaks loudly: salvation is personal, but it is never solitary. To belong to Christ is to belong to His people. As the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689 so aptly states:

“All saints are united to Jesus Christ their head by His Spirit and by faith, although they are not made one person with Him. They are united to one another in love; they have fellowship in each other’s gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.” (Chapter 27)

This doctrine of the Communion of Saints is not an optional theological flourish. It is central to Christian life, and ignoring it impoverishes our witness, our sanctification, and our joy.

A Sacred Fellowship: More Than a Social Club

When modern ears hear “fellowship,” they often imagine potlucks and polite conversations in church foyers. But biblical fellowship (koinonia) runs far deeper. It describes a shared life in Christ, a participation together in the grace of God. As John writes:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

Christian fellowship isn’t built on personality compatibility or common interests. It is forged in the blood of Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. It is saints sharing their lives, their burdens, and their joys because they share a Savior.

This truth stood at the heart of the Reformation. The Reformers called believers away from a priest-mediated religion to a Spirit-empowered body of believers, where every Christian is both recipient and minister of God’s grace.

Why Fellowship Is Non-Negotiable

1. We Are Saved Into a People

Christianity is not a me-and-Jesus-alone faith. From Genesis to Revelation, God is building a people for His name—a family of faith. Peter reminds us:

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…” (1 Peter 2:9)

Our identity as believers is inseparable from our identity as members of Christ’s body.

2. Fellowship Fuels Sanctification

The Christian life is a community project. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts:

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”

Isolation breeds sin and spiritual apathy. In fellowship, we are exhorted, encouraged, and, when necessary, lovingly corrected. God has designed the means of grace—preaching, sacraments, prayer—not for solitary saints but for gathered ones.

3. Fellowship Is a Witness to the World

Jesus said:

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

The Church’s countercultural community—marked by unity, forgiveness, and sacrificial love—is a living apologetic to a fractured world.

Obstacles to True Fellowship

Even in Reformed Baptist circles, the practice of rich Christian fellowship faces challenges:

• Individualism: The prevailing culture celebrates autonomy; church membership feels optional.
• Busyness: The calendar leaves little room for shared meals or meaningful relationships.
• Consumerism: Churches are treated like service providers, not covenant communities.

Recovering the Communion of Saints requires repentance and a reordering of priorities. We must rediscover that fellowship is not an add-on; it is essential.

Practicing the Communion of Saints

How do we cultivate this sacred fellowship?

• Commit to a Local Church: Membership is not mere formality; it is covenantal belonging.
• Prioritize the Lord’s Day: Worship together weekly, not sporadically.
• Share Life Together: Open your home. Pray together. Bear one another’s burdens.
• Use Your Gifts: Every believer has a role in building up the body (Ephesians 4:16).
• Pursue Accountability: Invite others to speak truth into your life.

Together for the Glory of God

To despise fellowship is to despise one of Christ’s greatest gifts to His people. To embrace it is to find joy, growth, and strength for the journey.

In our homes and in our churches, let us live out the Communion of Saints—not as a program or event, but as the supernatural reality it is. For it is here, in the messy, beautiful fellowship of believers, that we most clearly see Christ at work in His people.