Religion or relationship?

Someone has said, "When the devil realized that he was defeated, he invented religion."

Sounds very dogmatic and harsh IF one believes that religion is bad.

What about us?

Religious beliefs and practices seem to provide comfort for billions of people, and have for centuries.

How could it be wrong when religions are followed by so many?

How could it be wrong when it may feel so right?

A television reporter visited a church service and exclaimed over the loud music, "Some people have doctrine. But these people have an experience!"

Think about this - can religions and experiences that go with them be a substitute for a spiritual relationship?

Jesus said to him [Philip], "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

What would happen if we came to Jesus instead of a religion?

All those the Father gives Me [Jesus] will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away. John 6:37

Jesus said to His first disciples, "Follow Me." Matthew 4:18-22

In other words, it was and is to be a relationship with Him, not a religion.

That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3

Does a real divine, spiritual personal relationship involve fellowship, communication, trust, love, faith, hope, and honor?

Does it involve an intimacy that goes beyond rituals?

Jesus said this about religious followers of His day, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." Mark 7:6-8

Maybe we could always check what the Bible says.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. Acts 17:11-12

Preach the Good News. Be ready at all times, and tell people what they need to do. Tell them when they are wrong. Encourage them with great patience and careful teaching, because the time will come when people will not listen to the true teaching but will find many more teachers who please them by saying the things they want to hear. They will stop listening to the truth and will begin to follow false stories. 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Instead, we could desire that God the Father write His laws into our minds and hearts.

I [the Lord] will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people: Hebrews 8:10

Then, our relationship with Him could be based upon His work in us.

This is because He taught and drew us to Himself through the Lord Jesus Christ.

No one can come to Me [Jesus] unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. John 6:44-45

Has this happened to you so that you've been translated from religion into relationship? It can.

Your thoughts?

R. Jason