Why is it important to distinguish between being in church and being in Christ?

The distinction between being in church and being in Christ is foundational in Reformed theology. Many individuals may participate in church activities and embrace religious rituals, believing these actions merit favor with God. However, Paul warns that merely being a churchgoer without being in Christ yields no true spiritual benefit and can lead to harmful deception (Philippians 3:3). True believers, who are in Christ, place their hope solely on Him for salvation and recognize that religious rituals cannot save. This understanding calls believers to prioritize a relationship with Christ over mere participation in religious practices.