Thursday, June 6, 2019

How to Identify True Religion

"Religion needs to be based upon Christ, not men’s philosophies, traditions, or worldly thoughts and ideas.
It’s in the Bible, Colossians 2:8, NKJV. "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."


How can I tell difference between true religion and false religion?
It’s in the Bible, Matthew 7:16-18, NKJV. “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit."

What does true religion look like?
It’s in the Bible, James 1:27, NKJV. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

True religion is the work of grace upon the heart, that then flows out in good works.
It’s in the Bible, James 2:17-18, NKJV. “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

Are followers of Christ expected to be part of organized religion? Here are some things to consider:
  • Jesus kept the Sabbath at the synagogue.
It’s in the Bible, Luke 4:16, NKJV. “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.”
 

  • Jesus appointed the church.
It’s in the Bible, Matthew 16:18, NKJV. “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
 

  • Jesus commanded His followers to teach others His teachings.
It’s in the Bible, Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
BibleInfo