According to the SC: Religion is defined as:
2356. threskeia thrace-ki'-ah from a derivative of 2357; ceremonial observance: --religion, worshipping.
Most people are typically raised in a home that naturally follows some form of an official religion. Each type has its own set of rituals and beliefs. The question is, which represents the true religion? Some religions are governed by a set of rules and regulations. You’re told what you can and can’t do. Others are about following rituals. For example, you’re expected to consume certain foods, adhere to a particular dress attire, offer specific sacrifices. Within religion is a group of denominations. Christianity is divided into five major church groups. Each has the same or similar beliefs and practices.
These groups are:
Roman Catholic
Eastern Orthodox
Oriental Orthodox
Anglican
Protestant
True religion is neither rule-based or ritual based. It’s about a covenant relationship between you and God. And it will never steer you away from the teachings of God. And it won’t place unnecessary demands from you as a possible way to gain eternal life. The key reason in identifying true religion is it offers the exclusive way to be reconciled to God. Sin separates us from God. And we all have sinned.
“Since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God” -Romans 3:23
But true religion offers redemption through the blood of Jesus. But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).
It does not require any works you have performed for by grace are you saved. “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; 9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].” -Ephesians 2:8-9
But it does teach that pure and undefiled religion represent an act of service and keeping yourself uncontaminated by the world:
“Pure and unblemished religion [as it is expressed in outward acts] in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit and look after the fatherless and the widows in their distress, and to keep oneself uncontaminated by the [secular] world.” (James 1:27).
It’s about serving for the greater good. True religion is shown through a sincere heart to provide for those in need. It’s a yearning to care for someone in their times of distress and despair without the need for applause. You live in the world but not allow oneself to be polluted by the world.Thus, any act of service you do is governed by your relationship with God. It's not the need to live up to ritual and rules in hopes of gaining God’s grace or blessings.
Though true religion does have rules and rituals, their offered out of gratitude for the greatest sacrifice God gave to humanity. When He offered His Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins, He opened the portal whereby we gain direct access to Jesus. (John 3:16). Some of these rules are taken from the ten commandments, (do not bear false witness, do not steal, do not murder, etc. -Exodus 20:1-17). And rituals such as water baptism and observance of the Lord’s supper or what is in addition to known as Communion.
Properly applying these acts doesn’t place you in right standing with God. But observing these rules and rituals represent the result of your relationship with God. It signifies you reverence and obeys God with all your heart, mind and strength. (Matthew 22:37-38). However, false religion is doing these rules and rituals to earn the favor of man and God. True religion is when you accept Jesus as your Savior and build a loving and devoted relationship with Him. You faithfully adhere to these rules and rituals out of love and your earnest desire to sync your heart with His heart. As you do so you grow closer to Him. Thus, your observance of these is because you want to bring glory, honor, and praise to Him.
The subject of religion is one that usually ignites debates and arguments. How can you properly share what true religion is without coming off as offensive?
Many people use the excuse that the reason they won’t accept Jesus as their Savior is that Christianity has too many rules (dos and don’ts). What examples in the Bible can you use to explain what true religion is?
