Christian Living

RELIGION, NOT OF GOD

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
04/05/16
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

This "now" generation is absolutely right, even by not knowing whereby they speak. Religion is not of God. It is of the animal worshipers, the tree worshipers, the graven image or idol worshipers, the social engineering worshipers, the devil worshipers, and so on. Hench, the "me" 'myself" and "I" worshiper syndrome. Yes, in this political correct generation, it's all about ourselves (Acts 17: 16-21).

What we need, is a touch or the "old time religion" (Hebrews 13:7-9). That being a personal faith in Jesus Christ, as the one and only mediator of the new covenant (1 Timothy 2:5), by taking on this once and for- all sacrifice for our inbreed sins (Genesis 3:1-7). Jesus Christ became our substitute, and suffered for our sins (John 3:16-17), on the cross of Calvary. All we need do now is believe this finished work.

For you see, by God allowing this inbreed sin to take place, with our first parents in the Garden of Eden, all mankind, born since Adam, have been born in sin (Romans 5:12-21). And the only remedy for this sin (Romans 6:23) is God's gift of eternal life (John 3:16).

Why did God allow this garden sin to take place ? Basically, because God made all mankind a "free will" agent, to personally decide good and evil. God wanted mankind to think for themselves, not be some sort of robot. You see God dignifies us with free will, the power to make decisions of our own rather than having God or fate predetermine what we do (Genesis 1:26-27).

So, how is this gift received, one may ask. ? Simply put, no one will ever become good enough on their own initiative, be able to pay enough money to the church, or be able to call on enough friends or family, to help save them. It's simply excepting God's free grace, by one's own faith ( Ephesians 2:8-9).

Realizing, of course, one can never actually see faith, (Hebrews 11:1), only the results of faith ( John 20:24-28).

In conclusion, I understand there have been many misconception, regarding the term "religion" (Hebrews 13:9). Because it crosses so many different boundaries in human experience, religion is notoriously difficult to define. Basically, it is a culture system of behavior. practices, mythologies and world views. And religions may differ, in that they may range from the belief in godless physical or spiritual beings", to a belief in the "divine or sacred faiths", to the belief in a "supernatural being such as God or angels".

Unlike the broad term of religion, Christianity is narrowed down to a personal belief in God, through Jesus Christ, who became God in the flesh. (John 1:1-3). Unlike the broad term "religion", one cannot just choose to become a Christian. It must be an acceptance of God's calling (Matthew 22:14) (John 6:44) (1 Cor 1:26-27) And unlike the term of "Religion" to be a true Christian, a person must change ( Acts 2:37-39), must “repent” and walk a different way of life (Philippians 1:21).

Followers of Jesus Christ were first called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11:26) (Acts 11:26) because they believed in Christ and followed His example. The word was initially used by their detractors in a derogatory sense, but believers embraced the term as a badge of honor. Which still lives true to this very day.

Author's Post Script
I realize the title "Christian" has taken on a different light in our political correct world (2 Timothy 3:1-7, 9,13) (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Once one is labeled, it is rather difficult to be an effective witness for Christ. That is why I had rather be known as a "follower of Christ". There is no debate, when  being labeled a follower of Christ (Philippians 3:7-10) .