Would you consider with me tonight what is the difference between religion as people may define it and what God had in mind when He speaks of religion in His inspired Word. All these things should not cause us to grumble and argue with one another, but to be drawn to worship of Christ, for He is worthy!
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." ~ Ephesians 2:14-22
This passage does not abolish religion, but rather does away with the enmity between the "circumcision" and "uncircumcision". This does not agree with the thought that Jesus came to abolish religion, either. Rather, Jesus brought down the dividing wall between the Jewish nation and the Gentiles who also came to salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.
Religion is not the problem here folks. Perversion of the pure and perfect work of Christ, making it useless (abolish) by trusting in our works rather than faith in Christ, that is the problem. On the other end of this, keeping traditions without the proper spirit of humility and grace toward others, can make religion void of God's power.
What then are we to do? Walk in the spirit, following the commands of our Savior, not as a means of salvation or favor with the Lord, but as our hearts are filled with love for Christ we walk in His ways and speak His truth. If we are known for holy lives that are filled with love for the Lord, it will pour out toward others and give an open door for the Gospel to go forth. The Gospel preached will encourage Christians and convict sinners. That is what I see as pure religion, one that walks the talk and does so only for the glory of God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.
