The church plays a crucial role in the battle with sin. Salvation of the soul is an exclusively individual reality. Every person has their sin forgiven and inherits eternal life as a result of personal faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. However, according to God’s redemptive plan, from the moment of being born again the believer is automatically connected to all of God’s children, being united in the body of Christ — the Church. In practice this is expressed in specific relationships that believers form, while living in the same place and attending the same congregation.

The church is an ideal environment for the flourishing of the soul. First of all, it is God’s primary goal. There is no greater goal that a Christian can have than the salvation of souls and building of the church. Secondly, the church is the ideal place for spiritual growth, which means fighting sin. Unfortunately many Christians in times of sever struggle with sin often retreat into secrecy, avoiding close fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. The Scriptures teach that this is the practical responsibility of the church to assist in the battle with sin generally and lust in particular.