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RELIGION OR CHRISTIANITY

By George W. Sinquefield

(Luke 18:9 KJV) "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"

(Luke 18:10 KJV) "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican."

(Luke 18:11 KJV) "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican."

(Luke 18:12 KJV) "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess."

(Luke 18:13 KJV) "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."

(Luke 18:14 KJV) "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Definition of religion -- "A system of rules of conduct and laws of action based upon the recognition of, and belief in and reverence for a superhuman power of surpreme authority. Everyone then who believes in any higher power or surpreme being, whether personal or impersonal is religious. That superhuman power may be the sun, the moon, a sacred cow, or even a serpent. It may be a river, a man, an image of wood, stone or metal"

Christianity is not a religion. It is a life and that life is Jesus. It is a life while religion is composed of dead works and ceremonial observances.

Dr. M. R. De Haan said, "People who speak of "religions" very loosely today include Christianity, but when we go to the only source of information about the beginning of Christianity, the Bible we find no ground for such usage. In many of our schools, on of the courses being taught is called Comparative Religion. among the many religious systems it examines, Christianity is included. But this comparison cannot be fully accurate, for Christianity is far more than a religion. I repeat -- it is a life -- while mere religion is composed of dead works and ceremonial observances.

Some would tell us that what this world needs is more religion. The truth is that there is not now nor has there ever been a shortage of religion.

John M. Mc Bain in "The Ten Commandmentsin the New Testament," says, "You can find cities without walls and you can find evidences of the tribes of people without cities and you can find various descriptions of  ways in which people lived in different parts of the world, but whether they lived in stone houses or in tents or whether they lived in walled cities or in the open plains, you will never find a culture of a people that was without religion. Man is incurably religious."

Dr. Hudson Baggett while editor of the Alabama Baptist, said, "We have no shortage today of religious routines, rites, temples, churches, and shrines. Nor is there a shortage of religious language and symbols, but the question that becomes more embarrassing is: How is our nation different from others as far as morals, ethics, and integrity? We have sold our souls to materialism, and money has more influence on the practices, policies, and personnel in government than moral principles found in the Bible. The greatest condemnation given by the Old Testament prophets and Jesus was on the religionists who substituted rituals for righteousness. We stand under the same judgment today.

Ed Young, past pastor of Second Baptist Church, Houston, Texas and past president of the Southern Baptist Convention says, "It's astounding to read the Gallup Poll, isn't it? Eighty percent plus of Ameriocans, year after year claim to be Christian. Ninety percent plus say they believe there is a God. The God that America believes in is not the true and living God who made Himself known in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are very religious, but in truth we live as if God were dead."

The difference between religion and Christianity.

• Religion is a frustrated man seeking for God. Christianity is a compassionate God seeking for man. Religion is man reaching up for God, Christianity is God reaching down for man.
• Religion is cold and dead while Christianity is alive and active.
• Religion teaches that one can be saved by retualism and ceremonialism, whereas in Christianity one is saved by faith in Jesus Christ.
• The word "religion" comes from the Greek and means "to frighten, to wail, and to have trouble. Contrast this with the message of Christianity -- a message of salvation, peace, joy, and happiness.
• Religion leaves the sinner hoping he is right with God but gives him no assurance. Ask a religious man if he is saved and he'll answer "I hope so, I'm doing my best." Christianity leaves him with a positive hope, and assurance. Ask him if he is saved, if he is sure of going to heaven and he'll answer like Paul.

(2 Tim 1:12 KJV) "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."

One has distinguished between religion and Christianity:

• Attending religious services
• Enrolling children in religious schools
• Showing acts of kindness
• Avoiding immorality
• Believing in God
• Having religious affiliation
• Being baptized
• Receiving communion
• Studying doctrine
• Reading the Scriptures
• Offering prayers
• Celebrating religious events
• Teaching religious classes
• Giving aid to the poor
• Singing in the choir
• Being recognized as a godly person

• Someone who is very near
• Someone who has authority to help us
• Someone who can forgive us
• Someone who declare us righteous
• Someone who can set us apart for God
• Someone who can bring God to us
• Someone who can bring us to God
• Someone who can include us in His will
• Someone who can guide us
• Someone who can teach us
• Someone who can be our example
• Someone who never leaves us all alone
• Someone who can be trusted
• Someone who can defend us
• Someone who can intercede for us
• Someone who can enable us
• Someone who can respond to our emotions
• Someone who can feel our pain
• Someone who can give us joy
• Someone who can give us peace
• Someone who can give us hope

The problem with religion is that, in matters of ultimate and most extreme importance, it offers hope where there is no hope. For that reason, an atheist or agnostic is probably in a safer place than the person sho has been converted to religion. He is not apt to assume that he has made peace with God. The religious person, however, wrongly thinks he knows what he has to do to make it to heaven.

Mere religion cannot change our lives. Observe Northern Ireland. Both sides are staunchly religious -- the Protestants and the Catholics. Even the secret agents of the IRA claim to be devoutly religious. Iran is fanatically religious. Religion doesn't provide the answer. Here in our country, religion is not answering our dilemmas. We are being overwhelmed by secular humanism that has not merely isolated itself within secular circles but has pervaded theology, education and other aspects of life. Religion is not the answer, particularly when you set aside certain facets and cling to them as if they were the whole truth. Only faith in Christ can save us and free us for God.

Most religions of the world represent man's effort to reach up to God and become acceptable to Him. In China, for example, devout pilgrims ascend a sacred mountain call Taishan. They climb 7,000 steps to its summit, first passing through the "middle gate," then through "heaven's southern gate." Finally they reach one of the most beautiful buildings in all of China -- the Temple of the Azure Cloud. Here they offer sacrifices, which the worshipers believe will gain God's favor. Such effort represents great religious fervor -- and futility, for it brings the devotee no closer to God than when he mounted the first step.

Many very religious people in the Bible were lost.

1. Nicodemus


(John 3:1 KJV) "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:"

(John 3:2 KJV) "The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."

(John 3:3 KJV) "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Nicodemus was a ruler among the people, a teacher in Israel, and a very religious man. He was earnest and sincere, but he did not know the truth about the new birth, and he was not a saved man.
 

2. The rich young ruler


(Mat 19:16 KJV) "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"

(Mat 19:17 KJV) "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

(Mat 19:18 KJV) "He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,"

(Mat 19:19 KJV) "Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

(Mat 19:20 KJV) "The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?"

(Mat 19:21 KJV) "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."

(Mat 19:22 KJV) "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions."
 

3. Paul


Paul, who became the greatest missionary the world has ever known, was, before he met Christ, a very religious man. In fact he had more religion than anybody else.

(Phil 3:4 KJV) "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:"

(Phil 3:5 KJV) "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;"

(Phil 3:6 KJV) "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."

(Phil 3:7 KJV) "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."

(Phil 3:8 KJV) "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"

(Phil 3:9 KJV) "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:"
 

4. Cornelius


He was very religious but he was not saved. An angel told him to send for Peter who would tell him how to become a child of God.

(Acts 10:1 KJV) "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,"

(Acts 10:2 KJV) "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."

(Acts 10:3 KJV) "He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius."

(Acts 10:4 KJV) "And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."

(Acts 10:5 KJV) "And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:"

(Acts 10:6 KJV) "He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do."
 

5. The Scribes and Pharisees


(Mat 5:20 KJV) "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

(Mat 23:13 KJV) "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in."

(Mat 23:14 KJV) "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."

(Mat 23:15 KJV) "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves."

(Mat 23:25 KJV) "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess."

(Mat 23:27 KJV) "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness."

(Mat 23:28 KJV) "Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."
 

6. The Ethiopian Eunuch


We learn about this man in Acts chapter 10. We believe as a gentile, he grew up in a pagan religion. He had a hunger for God and was seeking something better. He turned to Judaism and was on his way home from Jerusalem where he had gone to worship. In Jerusalem he found a beautiful temple, a well-ordered priesthood, a profuse system of sacrifice and a materialized and ritualistic form of worship. he failed to find what he was seeking. His heart was still hungry and he was reading from the prophet Esaias. Phillip joined him and preached unto him Jesus. This religious man was saved and baptized and Acts 8:39 says, "He went on his way rejoicing."

Dr. Wayne De Honey, past president of the Southern Baptist Convention said, "This world is cursed and damned by the popular idea that religion will save a man. Hell will be filled with those who believed that being religious was sufficient. It is not turning to religion but a turning from religion to Christ that will deliver us."

Notice the religious Pharisee...
 

1. I am no extortioner or swindler. He never took advantage of anyone in a business deal. He was fair and honest in every business transaction.

 
2. I am not unjust - or - I am just. The word "just" means straight. It meant in the Old Testament moral straightness -- to live in line with the law revealed in the law of Moses. He could say, "Measure my life (outward life) by the law and you'll find it straight.

 
3. I am no adulterer. He had kept his marriage vows pure. His wife was not ashamed for others to know he was her husband. His children were not ashamed to call him daddy.

 
4. I fast twice a week. What is New Testament fasting? It is getting envolved so deeply in God's work that we forego eating and drinking. Jesus with the woman at the well said to His disciples, "I have meat to eat that ye know nothing of." His meat was to meet the need of the woman and she needed to understand how one is made right with God. Leonardo De Vinci worked for ten years on his masterpiece - The Last Supper. Often he was so absorbed in his work he would not eat for a whole day.


We modern day Christians know little or nothing about fasting. If the preacher's sermon is a little long, it irritates some who are anxious to get to the table and make a glutton of themselves.

One Sunday morning several lost people were in the service. I had tried to lead them to Jesus and I was so anxious that they accept Him. I preached on hell with deep longing that they turn to Jesus and make a public profession of their faith. At the close of the service, a lady who was far from being a real dedicated person, was real mad because we had gone over the regular time and she said to me, "My roast will be burned when I get home." She wasn't concerned that people would burn in hell if they were not saved.

A friend of mine was pastor of a large church and he said, "I make sure that I let my people out early so they can get to the resturant before the Methodists. It makes them angry if the Methodists get there first and they have to stand in line to get their food.
 

5. I give tithes of all that I possess. He didn't say, "I give a tithe but I give tithes (plural) of all that I possess." Under the law, the Jews were required to give three tithes. The first tithe, known as the Lord's or the Levite's or the whole tithe, consisted of one-tenth of one's income. This tithe was to support the Livitical priesthood.


(Lev 27:30 KJV) "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD."

(Lev 27:31 KJV) "And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof."

(Lev 27:32 KJV) "And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD."

The second tithe was given three times each year. The Hebrews would gather in Jerusalem for the Passover, Feast of Tabernacles and Feast of Weeks. This second tithe paid the travel and expenses while staying in Jerusalem.

And then there was the third tithe which was given every three years. This tithe was kept in the local communities as a charity tithe and was given to help the needy. The conscientious Hebrew gave 23 1/3 percent of his income, plus certain prescribed offerings.

Such a small percent of Southern Baptists are faithful in tithing their income. Several years ago I was preaching on stewardship and the stewardship of money was part of it. I did some searching and found out that about 18 to 20 percent of our people are tithers. that means that about 80 percent rob God and rob a world of lost souls the priviledge of hearing the gospel.

When I was in the New Orleans Seminary, the president of the Foreign Mission Board spoke in chapel one morning. I shall never forget what he said, "If all Southern Baptists would tithe their income (give God His tithe) so far as money is concerned, all other denominations could call their missionaries home and we could put one anywhere in the world where one is needed."

While in the Seminary, I was required to write a term paper on some denomination. I chose the Seventh Day Adventists. I visited the church in New Orleans to get some information from the pastor. I told him that every time I saw a list of denominations listing the per capita giving, they were always number one. The last list I had seen Baptists were number twenty eight. I asked him what percent of his people tithed and how he was able to get them to do it. He answered, "It is very simple, the Bible teaches it; we believe it and we practice it." He also stated that about ninety eight percent of his people were tithers.

Now -- the question. Was this very religious Pharisee saved? This deeply religious man, this honest man, this morally straight man, this faithful husband and father, this generous giver of his money, this on who gave time to fasting. Was he saved?

You and I would have thought so. We see only the external. But Jesus said -- No, he was not saved. He was not justified as the old publican.

Now what does this say to us. We can join a church, be baptized, attend regularly the services, give generously of our money, be very active, teach Sunday School, work with children, sing in the choir, preach the gospel, etc and still be lost.

Someone said, "The man without enough religion to take him to church may be sure he does not have enought to take him to heaven." Religion takes many to church but never to heaven.

A sign on the highway between Birmingham and Montgomery says, "Go to church or the devil will get you." Yes, it is true, religion takes many to church but religion never takes one to heaven. Only Jesus, the world's Savior can do that.

I like the story about the old man who got up one night during a revival meeting and said: "Brothers and sisters, you know and I know that I ain't been what I ought to of been. I've stole hogs and told lies, and got drunk, and was always getting in fights, and shooting craps, and playing poker, and I've cussed and swore; but I thank the Lord there's one thing I ain't never done: I ain't never lost my religion."

Paul lost his religion when he met Jesus.

(Phil 3:4 KJV) "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:"

(Phil 3:5 KJV) "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;"

(Phil 3:6 KJV) "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."

(Phil 3:7 KJV) "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."

(Phil 3:8 KJV) "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"

(Phil 3:9 KJV) "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:"

In Acts, chapter 9, Paul (then Saul) tells of his conversion experience and of his committment to Christ when he said, "Lord what wilt Thou have me do?" The greatest blessing that could come to thousands of religious people would be theirs if they'd follow Paul and lose their religion in exchange for Jesus and the salvation He gives.

The Publican

He shows us how one gets right with God; how one is saved. Jesus said this publican "went down to his house justified." To be justified is to be put in a right relationship with God

(Rom 3:23 KJV) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

(Rom 3:24 KJV) "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"

(Rom 3:28 KJV) "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

(Gal 2:16 KJV) "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."

(Gal 3:24 KJV) "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

He repented of his sins. He confessed that he was a sinner in need of God's mercy. We must repent of our sins and turn to God for salvation. To repent means to change our mind -- to turn around -- turn from sin and turn to God.

(Mat 3:1 KJV) "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,"

(Mat 3:2 KJV) "And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

(Mark 1:14 KJV) "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,"

(Mark 1:15 KJV) "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

(Luke 13:3 KJV) "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

(Acts 3:19 KJV) "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"

It is difficult to get some people to follow the example of this publican and confess to God that they are sinners.

One pastor states, "I was talking to a man just recently. He agreed with everything I said. He was an intelligent and educated man. I even got him to bow his head. I said, "Will you pray this prayer after me?" He said, "I will." He began to pray. When I got to the place where I said, "Now you pray after me, "I am a sinner," He wouldn't pray it. When he go up off his knees, he had prayed some other things and there was no assurance in my heart that he was saved, and none in his. There will never be in anyone's until they come to God as a poor lost sinner.

Martin Luther said, "God creates out of nothing. Therefore, until a man is nothing, God can make nothing of him."

Someone spoke the truth when he said, "Jesus came to save man from two things -- sin and religion."

Dr. Barnardo ran an orphanage in London. One day a ragged boy came to the door and asked for admission. Dr. Barnardo said, "But, I don't know you. Who are you? Who will recommend you?" The little boy held up his ragged coat and showed Dr. Barnardo his torn trousers and said, "Please, sir, I thought these would be all I needed to recommend me." Dr. Barnardo was a fine Christian man. He took the boy in his arms and gave him a home.

Lost one -- you have nothing to recommend you to Jesus except your sinful lost soul. Come to Him -- tell Him you are a sinner desiring His mercy and you, too, will be saved and justified. "Him that cometh to me, I willin no wise cast him out," said Jesus.