RELIGION AND THE RELIGIOUS

RELIGION AND THE RELIGIOUS

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

The Greek word for “religious” is used only here in the New Testament. It refers to an outward show of piety, and does not necessarily refer to Christianity.

James 1:27 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.

Pure religion. The word for “religion” is related to the word for “religious” (see above note). This word is used only in James 1:26-27, with one significant exception. In Colossians 2:18 it is translated “worshipping,” but in connection not with worshipping God, but angels. Since angels who receive worship are actually fallen angels following Satan, it follows that “religion” and “religious” are used in the Bible only in relation to pagan religions.

The Christian faith is never called a religion in Scripture. Most people haven’t studied that term in its context so they would care to argue but truth is hard to accept for a lot of people who read the scriptures. Statements like that affect their religion.

Pure religion as stated in James verse above involves both worship and service as Romans 12:1 teaches. It involves accepting Scripture as truth and the following of the leadership of the Holy Spirit as He teaches the true meaning of Christ’s words and works. Little kids and widows are high on His list. Woe to the one who treats those two mentioned not as He desires.

Divorce, abortion, etc. He hates all mentioned. Religion dances around these issues. God doesn’t.