Dear pilgrim, don't turn a blind eye to the fact that Satan uses 'religion' to oppose the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
He began that covert tactic in the Garden of Eden. The first temptation was religious by nature. Satan tells Eve to eat the forbidden fruit so that she can be like God. He was basically saying, “be godly my way.” He was offering a perverted religious experience ... and does so yet today.
If ever there was a generation that needed to be warned about religion's deceptive influence, it's this one.
But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Those caught up in religion for religion's sake have succumbed to their prideful nature. They may seem God-centered ... but are actually ego-centric reprobates. They've never truly repented and surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.
Real faith is authenticated by its objective ... to bring us into a relationship with God through Christ. When you place your trust in the finished work of our Savior, grace takes hold and the gift of salvation is yours.
Religion is an arrogant, self-indulgent, 'what's in it for me' exercise void of the brokenness found in born-again believers.
Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22–23
Dethroning Jesus Christ as Lord is Satan's mission. He doesn't openly say 'worship me' ... he just allows the machinations of man-made 'religion' to run its deceptive course.
Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:14
The insidious trappings of 'religion' will not fit through that gate ... only Christ in you, the Hope of Glory.
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