"It's Not About Religion"

Too many believe that possessing religion is what it is all about. "Religion is in!" and more so in our day and time. You see those postings in places that if you love the Lord, reprint this or paste this on your page. Possessing religion means little to the Lord. Paul was stressing that in Rom. 2:17-29. The Jew's were relying on their name, their heritage, their teaching of the Law and they were condemned. Condemning the world around us for their ungodly and sometimes abhorrent behavior while turning around and practicing things that go against the holy character of God is not godliness. To condemn the actions and statements of people and practice things in our own lives that are against God, where does that really put us?

It is easy to confess with the mouth that Jesus is Lord but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself insisted: "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46) Shouldn't the words of Jesus fall on our ears and enter our heart: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." ? (Matt. 7:21) There is way too much confessing and not enough following with a whole heart. Those who have been privileged to hear and come to believe the life giving gospel truths are not permitted to deny or refuse to submit to them.

It seems the popular talk today is the atonement for our sins, the free gift offered through the grace of God and that's all that is talked about. Please don't get me wrong, it is one of the most prominent teachings from heaven but to be reconciled to God through Jesus is not the end of the matter! Character, a heart in us like the heart of the Lord is what Jesus Christ is after. God's purpose is to conform us into the image of His Son, having a heart in us like His Son (Rom. 8:29). The redeeming work of Jesus was not only to forgive us but transform us in heart. We are not realigned with Him in some legal way but in a living relationship. It's not about religion!