I’ve been thinking and praying about the difference between “religion” and a “relationship” with God. Such a big difference it makes in one’s life. Not only in this life, but in the life to come.
For those who are simply religious, not knowing Christ Jesus ‘intimately’ by His indwelling Spirit and His living words, is a powerless way to live.
I love the book of Hebrews in the New Testament that teaches us the difference between religion and relationship. The Spirit-filled author of the book of Hebrews teaches how the ‘old covenant’ through Moses could NEVER free us from the power of our sin nature; how JESUS’ coming as He did, living as He did, and dying as He did, is all about His overcoming power in us. We have the power to forgive even our enemies, and to overcome sin in our life.
Those who check out all religions so they can settle on one that they FEEL best fits the life THEY want to live – are sadly missing the way. Some people don’t want to admit being a sinner that needs to be forgiven by God. But they are self-deceived in thinking that way. Powerless!
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these days HE has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the EXACT representation of HIS BEING, sustaining all things by HIS POWERFUL WORD. After He had provided purification for sins (on the cross), He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven.”
“The former regulation (for worship) was set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a BETTER HOPE is introduced, by which we DRAW NEAR TO GOD.”
“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a NEW covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance…”
AHHH, the precious blood of Christ our Lord! “Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished (without sin) to God, cleansing our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the LIVING GOD.”
People in a religion know only to serve the leaders of that kind of religion. They do what they are told to do, according to tradition, and even how to do it. This is not being in a relationship with God. Jesus came to have a relationship with us. He did not come to start a religion with all its rules and regulations, rituals, traditions, etc. Jesus has not asked us or even requires of us to do what a religion requires of its congregation.
Who is behind all man-made religions? Satan, God’s number one enemy. The Apostle Paul was clear on the subject: “But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.” 2 Corinthians 11:13