What God's Word Says About RELIGION

In today's world, just as that of the entire length of human history, man's focus is upon RELIGION to satisfy their spiritual longing for their God. RELIGION, however, is man-made, and has very little to do with the one and only God who created us and His entire creation.

Many believe the Bible to be a collection of stories gathered by men who record their thoughts about God, instead of the very Word of God given to men to record for all of mankind. Anyone who has read my blog for even just a short period of time knows that I believe the Bible is the very Word of God, to be read and incorporated in our daily walk here on earth. Our life here on earth simply prepares us for eternity. Death is not the grave, but simply a launching point to our eternal home, either Heaven or Hell.

Man relies upon RELIGION to obtain Heaven, but let's take a look at what God thinks about RELIGION as recorded in His Word:

1. Religion is spoken of as a strict set of rules and regulations, adding to the clear commands of God's Word, and judging those who do not live by those rules (Pharisaical judgment). This mention of RELIGION in the Bible in this verse gives a negative connotation of religion. Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
2. Religion resulted in persecution of others who don't live by the same doctrines of faith. Again, this mention of RELIGION in the Bible in this verse gives a negative connotation of religion. Gal. 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
3. Religion relies upon the tradition of man instead of the commands of God. Again, another negative connotation of religion found in His Word. Gal. 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
4. Religion results in ungodly speech about others and a deceived heart; the man seems to be religious, but is no where close to being in fellowship with God. Again, another negative connotation of religion found in God's Word. James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
5. Religion is described as pure and undefiled when one thinks of others ahead of themselves, and lives a separated and holy life apart from the sinful pleasures of this world. Finally, we have a positive connotation of religion spoken of by God in His Word. Unfortunately, however, the RELIGION found in today's world is not pictured by this positive definition. James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Five times in God's Word the word RELIGION is mentioned, with only one positive statement spoken by God. God looks down on RELIGION created and designed by man. Man's RELIGION is deceptive and brings strife, hardship, and persecution to many innocent people in our world.

We need to focus on God's Word as our guide in knowing and worshipping God, not man-made religion. Don't forsake the Bible because of what man has done through RELIGION - the Bible speaks the truth about RELIGION. As a matter of fact, the Bible speaks the truth about everything that counts for all eternity!!!!! It teaches us how to live!!! It teaches us about our need for a Saviour!!! It teaches us about the history of man!!! It teaches us about our future!!! It teaches us about our advisary and how to combat his lies and deception!!! It teaches us how to serve others!!! It teaches us how to love God and our neighbors!!! It teaches us about our eternal home in Heaven!!!

Don't follow RELIGION; follow God through His Word!!!!!