© 2013 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

There are two kinds of religion. One is dangerous and linked with perilous times.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5).”

Notice: this religion is perpetrated by arrogant people who put themselves first and love pleasure more than God. They are constantly “denying the power” of this religion by their very lives. It is powerless to save a single soul, powerless to change man’s fallen heart, and powerless to reconcile a person to God who is Holy and constantly observes our wickedness. It is powerless to turn away the wrath of God who is “angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11).”

The Bible also describes a powerful religion. God Himself established it through Jesus Christ, who is God the Son. He offered Himself, at Calvary, as a sacrifice for sinners.

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world (James 1:27).”

Notice the contrast between this pure religion and the previously described powerless religion. This pure religion is not self-centered, but places love for others within the hearts of its adherents. They begin to have concern for folks that God loves. They begin to hate sin the way God hates sin, and so they seek, more and more, to keep themselves “unspotted from the world.” Does this mean that those who practice “pure religion” are saved because of the good works they do? No! The works are an effect rather than a cause of this religion which is so powerful and pure that it changes the heart and produces God’s work therein.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Is your life characterized by powerless religion, or has Christ’s powerful forgiveness been placed in your heart through faith in His sacrificial blood offering for sin?

NOTE:  See related article entitled POWERLESS RELIGION

 

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