Do you have “Mere Religion” or “A Relationship With God”?

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this…” James 1:27

When we visit Bedford Prison to conduct weekly Bible Studies, we are often amazed how many of the prisoners ask us for necklaces or crosses for them to wear. It seems in prison because of their plight, many men suddenly “become religious”. They then perceive some usefulness, value and comfort from physical symbols of religion. We gently point out that all our spiritual needs can be met in Jesus Christ and we have no need of physical icons.

What do you think of when you hear the word religion? Perhaps you think of attending church, saying prayers, reading the Bible, being baptised, keeping certain traditions or trying to live a good life. But is Christianity simply a religion? Or is it something more—a genuine and personal relationship with God, that cannot remain private?

The Bible gives us a searching answer. It teaches that there can be religion without a true relationship with God. But it also teaches that a genuine relationship with God will produce true religion in our lives. A true religion that is seen, has beliefs and transforms.

Are you religious?
Maybe you think a religious person is someone who considers they are better than most others. But the reality of Christianity is that we have accepted God’s statements about our hearts and lives, that we are not better than others. We all fall short and are sinners.

Religion can be outward but empty
The word “religion” in the Bible refers to outward religious practices and observance. It is not a bad word as such, but it can be. Paul used it when describing his former life as a strict Jew. He says that he had “profited (advanced) in the Jews’ religion” Galatians 1:14. He was zealous, sincere and deeply committed to his religious beliefs. Yet he did not know Christ.

The Pharisees provide another sobering example. They were extremely religious. They prayed, fasted, gave to the poor and knew the Scriptures. Yet Jesus said: “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” Matthew 15:8.

Their religion was outwardly impressive, but inwardly their hearts were far from God. This is a warning to us all. It is possible to attend church regularly and never truly know Christ. It is possible to know the words of the Bible without knowing the God of the Bible. It is possible to practise Christianity outwardly while remaining unchanged inwardly.

Religion cannot save us
Religious activity cannot remove our sin or secure a place in heaven for us personally. Paul had an impressive religious background, yet after coming to Christ he considered his former religious credentials as loss “for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:7–8. Salvation is not earned by our religious works. Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” The Gospel does not call us to become more religious. It calls us to repent of our sin and trust in Jesus Christ. Our greatest need is not to become or improve our religion but to be reconciled to God.

Christianity is knowing Christ
Jesus did not come to destroy organised religion. He described eternal life in terms of knowing God: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” John 17:3. Paul’s great desire: “That I may know him (Christ)” Philippians 3:10. This is far more than knowing facts about Jesus. It is to know Him as Saviour and Lord, trusting Him, loving Him, belonging to Him and walking with Him. A Christian says, not merely, “I believe Christianity is true,” but, “I am a sinner, yet I have trusted Christ. He has forgiven me. I belong to Him.”

True religion starts with reconciliation to God through Christ on His terms
But how can sinful people have a relationship with a holy God? The answer is by Christ. Our sin has separated us from God, but Christ came into the world to save sinners. Through His death and resurrection, He accomplished the work necessary to reconcile sinners to God. Romans 5:1 declares: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Christian relationship with God does not begin with our efforts to climb up to God. It begins with God’s grace reaching down to us in Christ, causing us to desire Him and come to Him and the cross in repentance and faith.