It is very common for people to refer to Christians as being “religious.” I am sure that the context of that statement is coupled with thoughts of beads, and statues and passing an offering plate. They usually think of someone being religious as a person who keeps the mandatory rules of church membership or the sacraments. While those things in and of themselves may not be bad, if interpreted through the meaning and lens of Scripture. But, to say that a Christian is religious is missing the mark totally.
A born again Christian is a person who has been regenerated by The Spirit of God, by virtue of God’s grace, through faith in the sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, his burial and bodily resurrection from the dead. In other words, a born again Christian has entered into a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ, that is just as real as the relationship the apostles and other saints that we read about in the Bible. Thus, pure, organic Christianity is a relationship with God The Father (NOT the Godfather!!), by grace, through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of The Holy Spirit. This relationship transcends denominations, is not a matter of membership. It is the gift of a willing and redeeming God to a repentant and willing sinner that trusts in Christ. Is that you?
The word religion is used in the entire bible five times (e.g. KJV). Three of those times, not in a good light. For example 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.” The other two times (James) it is used almost with an undertone “You call yourself religious? This is what’s really important…” In a sense, another way to state “faith without works”. So why is religion such a dominant word today if the Word of God does not emphasize it and when it does, the connotation is not positive? Christianity has been changed, corrupted, and misstated by man for man’s intent, not to glorify God. How could the world substitute the beautiful relationship we can have with our Creator for rules? Count on traditions and works instead of grace? As born again believers we must let the word of God speak out! Seek a relationship. Dump the religion… Blessings, Jose
Amen and Amen brother Jose. We should never reduce The Risen, glorified Jesus to a denomination or religious system. He is The Lord of glory, Who was crucified for the sin of the world. Christ died for sinners, and those who repent of their sin and trust solely in His perfect, once and for all sacrifice for their sin, and follow Him as Lord and God shall be saved!! Eternal life is a personal relationship with God (John 17.3).