Lost Crusader #253 Jesus and Religion

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

It is fashionable these days among Christians and on-Christians alike, to separate Jesus from “religion”. It marks a willingness to concede that Jesus is good and spiritual. That’s a good and true idea. This is presented in contrast to “religion”. Religion in this case means organized denominations practicing consensually arrived at doctrines. In other words, churches. It reminds me of Orwell’s sheep bleating out, “Four legs good, two legs bad. It is an excuse for not thinking, avoiding the truth, and blaming the church for personal failures.

Religion, by definition, may have nothing to do with churches, denominations, or organizations. The word means “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.” I tell people that I am religious about my morning coffee. It is a cause I hold to with extreme ardor in faith that it is the best way to begin my day.

Paul directed Timothy to study to rightly discern the truth. Jesus chided the Pharisees on occasion for not knowing the scriptures or the power of God. A person may encounter God by “accident”. You cannot “know” God without a purposeful investment in time and study.

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” was Paul’s message to the Philippians. That is not a license to do as you please and call it Christianity. It is an exhortation to study and make an informed effort to imitate Christ.

Jesus came with a cause—to die as a sacrifice for the sin of mankind. He based his ministry on the principle of adhering to the works of God the Father rather than doing His own thing. He did this within the systematic framework of the Law and He did it with ardor and faith. Jesus was a religious practitioner.

Paul also told Timothy that he would encounter people, Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.