Salvation is received, not earned
Going to heaven is not a reward for people with perfect attendance. Paul explains that salvation comes from God's grace and is received through faith, so nobody can boast that they earned it (Ephesians 2:8-9). Church attendance can be a good and faithful response to God, but it cannot pay for sin or make someone acceptable to him.
The centre of Christian faith is Jesus. Paul tells the believers in Rome that salvation is tied to trusting in the risen Lord and openly belonging to him (Romans 10:9-10). That faith changes a person over time, but the change is the fruit of being saved, not the price of entry.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Jesus welcomes those who cannot attend
Consider the criminal crucified beside Jesus. He had no opportunity to join a congregation, be baptised, repair his life, or attend a service. Yet when he turned to Jesus in trust, Jesus assured him of a future with him (Luke 23:42-43).
This doesn't make church unimportant. It does show that Jesus saves people, not a building, a timetable, or a record of religious activity. Someone who is housebound, caring for others, working difficult shifts, imprisoned, or living where Christians cannot meet openly is not beyond God's care.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Why gathering with Christians still matters
The first Christians devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, shared life, broke bread, and prayed together (Acts 2:42). Their gatherings were not merely an obligation. They were a place to hear truth, bring needs into the open, receive encouragement, and practise love.
Hebrews urges believers not to abandon meeting together, especially because they need to stir one another towards love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). Following Jesus alone can become lonely and confusing. Other Christians can help you notice blind spots, carry burdens, and keep hope alive.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
A healthy next step
If you trust Christ and are able to gather with other believers, looking for a faithful local church is a wise next step. The New Testament describes Christians as parts of one body, with each person having a place to contribute and receive care (1 Corinthians 12:27). Church is more than watching a service. It is a community learning to follow Jesus together.
No church is flawless, and painful experiences with churches are real. If that is part of your story, don't pretend it didn't hurt. You might begin slowly by reading the Gospels, praying honestly, and speaking with a mature, trustworthy Christian. Keep coming back to the main truth: salvation rests on Jesus Christ, and he invites his people into a shared life of faith.