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 True Christianity—A Relationship, Not A Religion (June 23, 2023)

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. (James 1:26)

One of the most controversial and complex of all subjects of discussion and debate, religion is a term that is freely used but difficult to define. Generally speaking, as a Christian, I view religion as the belief in and worship of the loving and gracious, yet just and righteous God who crafted the universe and exercises sovereign authority over all creation. This all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present God of providence made you and me in His own image, desiring to have a personal relationship with each of us. If we are not careful, however, religion can hinder rather than help promote this relationship with God that is the basis for salvation and eternal life.

Christians should never allow religion to become solely the strict adherence to a set of rituals, rules and regulations, and other works-based customs and ceremonial practices that leave us empty and dry. Christianity is not about religion; it is all about a relationship! Our focus should not be just going through the motions of worshiping God by sacrificing an hour each week to attend a church service. Christianity is the ongoing process of cultivating a close, intimate personal relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ that produces love, joy, and other spiritual fruit as well as a desire to be obedient servants until He calls us to our eternal inherences in heaven.

One noted biblical scholar said that Jesus was the most anti-religious figure in human history. Christ often rebuked the pious Pharisees for their stale legalism that may have impressed outwardly. Inwardly, however, they were full of greed and wickedness and devoid of the beauty of pure, godly hearts. It has been said that religion is man’s attempt to reconcile himself to God. In reality, Jesus is the only way that sinful man can be reunited with a holy God. Not by religion or anything we can do but only by receiving God’s gift of grace through faith in Christ based on acceptance of His sacrifice for our sins can we enter into an everlasting relationship with Him!

 “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (James1:27)



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