Religion
The False Hope

By Buddy Axley
1988
Second Printing (Revised) – 1995

 (All scriptures are taken from the amplified bible unless otherwise stated.)  

Preface

There are many religions in the world; many sects, many organizations, all who offer some form of false hope for those who subscribe to their form of activity or ceremony.  If you are reading this book expecting to find mention of any particular group that you may be a part of, you may be disappointed.  The sole purpose of this writing is to help reveal The Way, The Truth, and The Life; to help reveal a person who is the only Hope of the World.  His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.  He was conceived by Almighty God, the Holy Spirit, born of the flesh, lived as a perfect human being upon the earth and then died a sacrificial death on the cross, and was raised from the dead.  He returned to God the Father in heaven to sit once again on His throne and to mediate and intercede for His people.  He has accomplished all these things to give life eternal and abundant to all who hope, believe and trust in Him.

All mankind from the beginning of their existence has been given an inner desire to know and fellowship with their Creator God.  There have been and are now many vain religious attempts to have this relationship with Him.  I hope that after reading these considerations you may come to know, possibly initially or even progressively, Jesus Christ, the only Savior and Lord of all mankind.  

The Bible says in John 14:6, "Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except by (through) Me."

Introduction

Many people ask, "What religion are you?"  Because of the natural, worldly mentality of most human beings this question promotes a response that would satisfy the inquirer in a short or simple manner.  Our human tendency is to try to categorize our fellow man within the bounds and descriptions of the world in which we live.

If you believe in God as your Heavenly Father, Jesus as your Savior, and the Holy Spirit as the Possessor of your being, then the Word of God has much to say as to who you are.  In the letter to the Church, the Apostle Peter says, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation.  (God's) own purchased special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.  Once you were not a people (at all), but now you are God's people; once you were unpitied, but now you are pitied and have received mercy. (I Peter 2:9-10).  Believers in Christ Jesus are not a part of this worldly, earthly kingdom.  Although they live on this earth and are subject to worldly influences, their life is for another purpose.  Jesus Christ stated these truths in His prayer for His followers in John 17:14-21.  "I have given and delivered to them Your word, (message) and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world - do not belong to the world - (Just) as I am not of the world.  I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil (one).  They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world).  (Just) as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them - purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy - by the truth; Your word is truth.  Just as you sent Me into the world I also have sent them into the world.  And so for their sake and on their behalf, I sanctify (dedicate, consecrate) Myself, that they also may be sanctified (dedicated, consecrated, made holy) in the truth.  Neither for these alone do I pray - it is not for their sake only that I make this request - but also  for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching; so that they all may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me."

If you are not persuaded at this moment that what I have said is correct, please try and realize that I am repeating the Word of God; that can only be understood by and through the Holy Spirit.  Consider this dear reader, "As the scripture says, what eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and has not entered into the heart of man, (all that) God has prepared - made and keeps ready - for those who love Him (that is, for those who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed).  Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the (Holy) Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God - The divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny.  For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man's thoughts except the man's own spirit within Him?  Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend)  the thoughts of God - except the Spirit of God.  Now we have not received the spirit that belongs to) the world, but the (Holy Spirit) who is from God, (given to us) that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts (of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly) bestowed on us by God.  And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the (Holy) Spirit; combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language (to those who possess the (Holy Spirit).  But the natural, non-spiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him: And he is incapable of knowing them - of progressively recognizing, understanding and becoming better acquainted with them - because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated." (I Corinthians 2:9-14).

I hope you are now ready to proceed to see why "religion" in its normal meaning and usual understanding, has nothing to offer mankind but disappointment, grief and destruction.

January 6, 1988 - Choluteca, Honduras

                  Central America            

What "religion" signifies -
what God desires

The majority of ideas held by people on the subject of "religion" indicate that "religion" is a good positive trait for a person to practice or possess.  However, from a scriptural standpoint, "religion" takes on a very negative connotation for the most part.  The Greek word for religion is "Threskeia".  This word defines religion as an external activity or ceremony as in Acts 26:5.  Here the Apostle Paul is recounting his past life, before his faith in Jesus Christ, as a Pharisee, which was a very strict religious sect or order that had many outward signs of godliness that were not, however, acceptable to God.  Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, addressed this religious group many times revealing their true motive of heart.  I am going to refer to some of these accounts to confirm how God evaluated "religion".  "For I tell you, unless your righteousness (your uprightness and your right standing with God) is more than that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20)  In Matthew 12:2, the Pharisees condemned the disciples of Jesus for eating grain from a field on their "religious" day.  Jesus replied in verses 3-9, "Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry and those who accompanied him - How he went into the house of God and ate the loaves of the shewbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for the men who accompanied him, but for the priests only?  Or have you never read in the law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple violate the sanctity of the Sabbath, breaking it, and yet are guiltless?  But I tell you something greater than the temple is here!  And if you had only known what this saying means, I want mercy (readiness to help, to spare, to forgive) rather than sacrifice and sacrificial victims, you would not have condemned the guiltless."  In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus makes a very interesting statement about this same incident.  "And Jesus said to them, The Sabbath was made on account and for the sake of man, not man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."  Continuing in Matthew 12:14, the religious ones begin a plot that would finally result in the crucifixion of Jesus.  "But the Pharisees went out and held a consultation against Him; how they might do away with Him."  "Religion", in general, is against the purpose of God and even against God Himself.  In verse 24 again "religion" speaks out contrary to the kingdom of God after Jesus had cast out demons from a blind man.  "But the Pharisees hearing it said, this man drives out demons only by and with the help of Beelzebub, the prince of demons."  Jesus knew their thoughts, their intentions and their motives.  He corrected them in verses 25-28. "He said to them, Any kingdom that is divided against itself is being brought to desolation and laid waste; and no city or house divided against itself will last or continue to stand.  And if satan drives out satan, he has become divided against himself and disunited; how then will his kingdom last or continue to stand?  And if I drive out the demons by (help of) Beelzebub, by whose (help) do your sons drive them out?  For this reason they shall be your judges.  But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out the demons; then the kingdom of God has come upon you (before you expected it)."  "Religion", as I initially stated, is external in nature.  In verse 38 of this same chapter the Pharisees wanted proof or further identity of the Christ.  These "religious" men demanded activity and outward manifestation even after the healings and miracles just performed before them by Jesus.  "Then some of the Scribes and Pharisees said to Him, Teacher, we desire to see a sign or a miracle from you (proving that you are what you claim to be.)"  But Jesus replied to them in verse 39(a), "An evil and adulterous generation (that is a generation morally unfaithful to God) seeks and demands a sign."

Religious persecution and opposition is eternally persistent and present and tries to convince people of its authenticity.  In Matthew 15, the Pharisees once again accuse Jesus' followers of defying ceremonial rules of washing of the hands a certain way before eating.  You may read the account and partial response of Jesus in verses 1-5.  However, in verses 6-9, Jesus changes His tone of voice and begins to sternly rebuke the religious ones.  "So for the sake of your tradition (the rules handed down by your forefathers) you have set aside the word of God - depriving it of force and authority and making it of no affect.  You pretenders - hypocrites.  Admirable and truly did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said:This people draw near Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips; but their heart holds off and is far away from Me.  Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men."  In Mark 7:7-9, Jesus said of and to the Pharisees, "In vain - fruitlessly and without profit - do they worship Me ordering and teaching to be obeyed as doctrines the commandments and precepts of men.  You disregard and give up and bid depart from you the commandments of God and cling to the tradition of men - keeping it carefully and faithfully.  And He said to them, You have a fine way of rejecting (thus thwarting and nullifying and doing away with) the commandment of God, in order to keep your tradition - your own human regulations!"

Let me say to you very seriously at this moment, if you are aware of the force of "religion" in your life, and if you are being held captive in a religious system that is depriving the Word of God - the force and authority it has - and making it of no effect in your life, closely evaluate the following words of Jesus found in Matthew 15:10-14.  "And Jesus called the people to Him and said to them; listen and grasp and comprehend this: It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles (him).  Then the disciples came and said to Him, Do you know that the Pharisees were displeased and offended and indignant when they heard this saying?  He answered, Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted will be torn up by the roots.  Let them alone and disregard them; they are blind guides and teachers.  And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a ditch."

We are talking about "religion, the false hope".  I will now list some more scriptures from God's Word, that you may read, that will further illustrate similar points of God's attitude towards "religion":  Matthew 19:3-9, 22:15-46; and 23:1-12.  If you will read and meditate these scriptures along with the others that you have been given, the Lord, will be able to reveal to you, more so, the truth about "religion".  Beginning in Matthew chapter 23, verses 13-39, Jesus says seven times to the Pharisees, a religious group, who thought they were doing right and good, "Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees, pretenders - hypocrites! ... You serpents! ... You spawn of vipers! ... Blind guides! ... You blind men! ... You blind fools!"  These are very strong words spoken by the Son of God, Who is the first and final authority of the universe, The Beginning and the End, The Alpha and the Omega.  Hallelujah!  If I seem to sound definite about this abominable subject of religion, I mean to sound that way because "religion" is a tool of satan and is an enemy of God Almighty.

Religion demonstrated disapproval to God's mercy and compassion on mankind in Luke 5:17-26.  In this instance a paralyzed man was lowered through the roof of a house where Jesus was teaching and ministering.  The Pharisees were present from many different towns and villages to investigate the Lord.  Jesus spoke forgiveness of sins to the paralytic and immediately the religious ones reacted.  Verse 21 says, "And the Scribes and the Pharisees began to reason and question and argue saying, Who is this (Man) who speaks blasphemies?  Who can forgive sins but God alone?  But Jesus, knowing their thoughts and questionings, answered them, Why do you question in your heart?  Which is easier: to say, Your sins are forgiven you, or to say, Arise and walk (about)?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has the (power of) authority and right on earth to forgive sins, He said to the paralysed man, I say to you, arise, pick up your litter (little bed) and go to your own house!  And instantly the man stood up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went away to his house, recognizing and praising and thanking God.  And overwhelming astonishment and ecstasy seized them all, and they recognized and praised and thanked God, and they were filled and controlled by reverential fear, and kept saying, we have seen wonderful and strange and incredible and unthinkable things today!"  One outstanding characteristic of "religion" is that it refuses to accept the true works of God and will not glorify Him even in the midst of His undeniable presence.  

"Religion" fears exposure of its true purpose and so is always trying to keep the truth hidden from those that follow its ways.  It accuses, argues against, and plots to destroy the Truth.  Let's look into Luke 6:6-11.  "And it occurred on another Sabbath that when He went into the synagogue and taught, a man was present whose right hand was withered.  And the Scribes and the Pharisees kept watching Jesus to see whether He would (actually) heal on the Sabbath, in order that they might get (have ground for) accusation against Him.  But He was aware all along of their thoughts, and He said to the man with the withered hand, Come and stand here in the midst.  And he arose and stood there.  Then Jesus said to them, I ask you, is it lawful and right on the sabbath to do good (so that someone derives advantage from it) or to do evil, to save a life (and make a soul safe) or to destroy it?  Then He glanced around at them all, and said to the man, Stretch out your hand!  And he did so, and his hand was fully restored like the other one.  But they were filled with lack of understanding and senseless rage and discussed (consulted) with one another what they might do to Jesus."  Let us look at another passage in John, chapter 11, after Jesus has raised Lazarus from the dead and many of the people had believed on the Lord.  Beginning in verse 46, "But some of them went back to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.  So the chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the council (the Sanhedrin) and said, What are we to do?  For this Man performs many signs (evidences, miracles).  If we let Him alone, everyone will believe in Him and adhere to Him and the Romans will come and suppress and destroy and take away our (holy) place and our nation (our temple and city, and our civil organization)» ... (verse 53) So from that day on they took counsel and plotted together how they might put Him to death."

You may be saying to yourself at this moment, "Why all the stories about the Pharisees?  They lived long ago."  I feel it is necessary to inform you, if you haven't already seen this truth, that "religion" is an evil spirit.  It is the spirit of Anti-Christ.  It is present in the world today and it is in your midst!  The Pharisees had this spirit possessing them, influencing them, and there are many today with the same spiritual force controlling them.  They are resisting the Lord Jesus and the Lord's servants today in the same persecuting manner as they did the Lord Himself back then.  In John, chapter 8, Jesus confirms the origin of "religion" by addressing the Pharisees once again.  I would recommend you read the whole chapter, however, let us see specifically what was spoken beginning in verse 42. "Jesus said to them, If God were your Father, you would love Me and respect Me and welcome Me gladly; for I proceeded (came forth) from God - out of His very presence.  I did not even come on My own authority or of My own accord, (self-appointed), but He sent Me.  Why do you misunderstand what I say?  It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying - you cannot bear to listen to My message, your ears are shut to My teaching.  You are of your father the devil; and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires (which are characteristic) of your father.  He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth; because there is no truth in him.  When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him for he is a liar (himself) and the father of lies and all that is false.  But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me - do not trust Me, do not rely on Me or adhere to Me.  Who of you convicts Me of wrongdoing or finds Me guilty of sin?  Then if I speak truth, why do you not believe Me - trust Me, rely on and adhere to Me?  Whoever is of God listens to God - Those who belong to God hear the words of God.  This is the reason that you do not listen (to them, to Me) because you do not belong to and are not of God or in harmony with God."  "Religion" is not in harmony with God because the devil is not in harmony with God!  The father of all lies and what is false is satan!  Satan is the father of all religious spirits!

"Religion" is a source of confusion because it is based on opinions and not the Truth.  The Bible says in I Corinthians 14:33 "For He (Who is the source of their prophesying) is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order."  In John, chapter 9, Jesus had healed the eyes of a blind man.  Let us read in verse 13, "Then they conducted the man who had formerly been blind to the Pharisees.  Now it was on the Sabbath day that Jesus mixed the mud and opened the man's eyes.  So now the Pharisees asked him how he received his sight.  And he said to them, He smeared mud on my eyes and I washed and now I see.  Then some of the Pharisees said, This man (Jesus) is not from God, because He does not observe the Sabbath.  But others said, How can a man who is a sinner - a bad man - do such signs and miracles?  So there was a difference of opinion among them."  In Acts 23, we find two religious sects involved in violent conflicts due to a difference in opinions on their doctrines.  Beginning in verse 7, "So when he had said this, an angry dispute arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the whole (crowded) assemblage was divided (into two factions).  For the Sadducees hold that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees declare openly and speak out freely, acknowledging (their faith in) them both.  Then a great uproar ensued, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and thoroughly fought the case, (contending fiercely) and declaring, We find nothing evil or wrong with this man.  But if a spirit or and angel (really) spoke to him --?  Let us not fight against God!  And when the strife became more and more tense and violent, the commandant, fearing that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, ordered the troops to go down and take him forcibly from among them and conduct him back into the barracks."  How many people today are bound with religious opinions?  Far too many!  And it is not the will of God.  If the Holy Spirit is speaking to you at this moment you should ask the Heavenly Father to help you to be free from religion.  In Jesus' Name!  Amen!

"Religion" is false; it will fail, Hallelujah!  Religion is loosing ground!  The kingdom of God is gaining!  Listen to the frustrated words of religion in John 12:19.  "Then the Pharisees said among themselves, You see how futile your efforts are and how you accomplish nothing.  See!  The whole world is running after him!"  Glory to God!  That is my prayer!  Is that your desire?  To see the whole world turn to Jesus Christ. "Religion" is futile!  It accomplishes nothing!  Jesus saves, heals, sets free and provides life, abundant and eternal!  Amen! 

"Religion" condemns!  Look and see the self-righteousness found in the account in John 8:3-12.  "... When the Scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery.  They made her stand in the middle of the court and put the case before Him.  Teacher, they said, This woman has been caught in the very act of adultery.  Now Moses in the law commanded us that such (women, offenders) shall be stoned to death.  But what do You say (to do with her) -- What is your sentence?  This they said to try (test) Him, hoping they might find a charge for which to accuse Him.  But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger.  However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up and said, let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.  Then He bent down and went on writing on the ground with his finger.  They listened to Him and they began going out conscience-stricken one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the women standing there before Him in the center of the court.  When Jesus raised Himself up He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers?  Has no man condemned you?  She answered, No one, Lord!  And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either.  Go on your way, and from now on sin no more.  Once more Jesus addressed the crowd.  He said, I am the Light of the World.  He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life."  Again you should see religion's purpose and you should also see God's purpose.  "For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him!" (John 3:17).

Let us continue to look into the subject of "religion".  The other Greek word that signifies "religion" is DEISIDAIMONIA.  This word denotes reverential fear or worship of a pagan deity.  Actually, the word "demon" (Daimonia), which is the second part of the Greek word mentioned above, is the specific reference used when the Apostle Paul was addressing a group of people in Athens in Acts 17:22 "So Paul, standing in the center of the Areopagus (Mars Hill auditorium) said: Men of Athens, I perceive in every way - on every hand and with every turn I make - that you are most religious or very reverent to demons."  Deisidaimonia further signifies a superstitious attitude - full of contempt and condemnation.  This is referred to in Acts 25.  Here Festus, the governor of a Roman province, is relating accusations to the king, made against Paul by the religious leaders (the Pharisees and Sadducees once again).  In verses 18-19, Festus is referring to these religious complaints. "(But) when the accusers stood up, they brought forward no accusation (in his case) of any such misconduct as I was expecting; Instead they had some points of controversy with him about their own religion or superstition and concerning one Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul kept asserting (over and over) to be alive."  He is Alive!  Religion is death!  JESUS IS LIFE!

There are so many "religious" ideas and concepts in the world.  So many vain, outward exhibitions of worship, ritual and ceremony.  Let us look at a very strong warning stated in the Word of God in Colossians 2:18-23.  "Let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire and declaring you unworthy and disqualifying you for the prize, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions (he claims) he has seen, vainly puffed up by his sensuous notions and inflated by his unspiritual thoughts and fleshly conceit, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the entire body, supplied and knit together by means of its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.  If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things and have escaped from the world's crude and elemental notions and teachings of externalism, why do you live as if you still belong to the world? - Why do you submit to rules and regulations? (Such as), do not taste (that), do not even touch (them), referring to things all of which perish with being used.  To do this is to follow human precepts and  doctrines.  Such (practices) have indeed the outward appearance (that popularly passes) for wisdom, in promotion of self-imposed rigor of devotion (the New American Standard Bible says here "self-made religion") and delight in self-humiliation and severity of discipline of the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh - the lower nature.  (Instead, they do not honor God) but serve only to indulge the flesh."

Think about this!  Angels are majestic spiritual beings created by God to do as He commands.  It would seem permissible to worship an angel, would it not?  But clearly the Bible teaches us against this form of religion also.  "Are not the angels all (servants) ministering spirits, sent out in the service (of God for the assistance) of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14).  The Apostle John was corrected as he started to fall down and worship and angel.  "And I John, am he who heard and witnessed these things.  And when I heard and saw them, I fell prostrate before the feet of the messenger (angel) who showed them to me, to worship him.  But he said to me, Refrain!  You must not do that!  I am (only) a fellow servant along with yourself and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who are mindful and practice (the truths contained in) the message of this book.  Worship God!  (Revelation 22:8-9)  Please consider this before we move on to another thought.  Webster's dictionary defines religion as any system of faith in or of a supreme being or god or gods with a sense of obligation.  See what the Word of God says in Ephesians 4, about those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Verses 4-6 states, "(There is) one body and one Spirit, just as there is also one hope (that belongs) to the calling you received.  (There is) one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of (us) all, Who is above all (Sovereign over all) pervading all and living in (us) all."  Hallelujah!

For the sake of integrity, I want to call to your attention a reference made to "religion" in James chapter 1:26-27, "If anyone thinks himself religious - piously observant of the external duties of his faith - and does not bridle his tongue, but deludes his own heart, this person's religious service is worthless (futile, barren).  External religious worship (religion as expressed in outward acts) that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: To visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world."  Notice here that although "religion" is referred to positively, there is still the connotation that it consists of outward acts and external activities that result from an inward motivation.  What is "pure" and "unblemished" in the sight of God is action motivated by a heart of compassion that can only be received from the Lord Himself.  This "pure" religion is not the sum total, but merely a manifestation or substance in which godliness or the love of God is being demonstrated.  Look at this passage of scripture found in I John 3:17-19.  "But if anyone has this world's goods - resources for sustaining life - and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?  Little children, let us not love (merely) in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth - in practice and in sincerity.  By this we shall come to know - perceive and recognize and understand - that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate and pacify) our hearts in His presence."

Brethren and friends; self-righteous acts that do not proceed from a heart filled with God's love and truth do not impress the Lord nor gain one bit of favor from Him.  However, righteous acts that are motivated from a pure heart are normal and expected as part of the manifestation of the Lord's presence in his people.

We must be saved and sanctified by the Lord Jesus Christ!  Let us read Ephesians 2:8-10.  "For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgement and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through (your) faith.  And this (salvation) is not of yourselves - of your own doing, it came not through your own striving - but it is the gift of God; not because of works (not the fulfillment of the law's demands), lest any man should boast. - It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.  For we are God's (own) handiwork (His workmanship) recreated in Christ Jesus (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us, (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time) that we should walk in them - having the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live."  HALLELUJAH!

Sectarianism, partner to religion

Sectarianism, as explained in the Greek meaning, when found in the Bible, signifies heresy.  Heresy is the choosing or preference of a particular opinion that is substituted for submission to the "truth" held "en toto".  It is a perversion of truth to procure a personal advantage with the prospect of personal gain.  It always results in a division that disrupts unity and contributes to dissensions.

The dictionary further defines a "sect" as a "religious group" separated from the established truth that holds common opinions and beliefs.  We, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, are warned II Peter 2:1-2, "But also (in those days) there arose false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among yourselves, who will subtly and stealthily introduce heretical doctrines - destructive heresies - even denying and disowning the Master, who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction, and many will follow their immoral ways and lascivious doings; because of them the true way will be maligned and defamed."

Sectarianism is a designed tool of satan to pull people away from the truth of God.  "For the time is coming when (people) will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but having ears itching (for something pleasing and gratifying) they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, and will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions." (II Timothy 4:3-4).

"Religion" and "sectarianism" are of the flesh!  They are carnal and not birthed by the Holy Spirit.  Galatians 5, tells us clearly about the deeds of the flesh and their consequences.  In verses 19-21 we read, "Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear - obvious; they are immorality, impurity, indecency, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies); envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.  I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

It is not very difficult, when we are seeking God's will in our lives through His Word and by His Spirit, to detect motives and intentions of "religious people" who are controlled and energized by "sectarianism".  I have noticed down through the years, that there exists an argumentative, contentious and self-centered attitude in those who are bound by a sectarian spirit.  Look and see what God's word says in I Timothy 6:3-5, "But if anyone teaches otherwise and does not assent to the sound and wholesome messages of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and the teaching which is in agreement with godliness - piety toward God - he is puffed up with pride and stupefied with conceit, (although he is) woefully ignorant.  He has a morbid fondness for controversy and disputes  and strife about words, which result in (producing) envy, jealousy, quarrels, and dissension, abuse and insults and slander, and base suspicions and protracted wrangling and wearing discussion and perpetual friction among men who are corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, who imagine that godliness or righteousness is a source of profit - a money making business; a means of livelihood.  From such withdraw."  I hope after reading this scripture you realize that "religion" is a worldly business designed for personal, selfish gain (part of the definition of sectarianism mentioned in the beginning of this chapter).  "Religion" is not designed therefore to help people in need, but only designed to use people for a means of personal advantage.  How sad!  How abominable!  God says to withdraw yourself from this type of association!  Please heed the warnings of the Lord!  "But understand this, that in the last days there will set in perilous times of great stress and trouble - hard to deal with and hard to bear.  For people will be lovers of self and (utterly) self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate (greedy) desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters.  They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffers), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.  (They will be) without natural (human) affection (callous and inhuman), relentless - admitting of no truce or appeasement.  (They will be) slanderers - false accusers, trouble makers, intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.  (They will be) treacherous (betrayers) rash (and) inflated with self-conceit.  (They will be) lovers of personal pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.  For (although) they hold to a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it - their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession. Avoid (all) such people - turn away from them."  (II Timothy 3:1-5).  The Word of God tells us to refuse seducing "sectarian" spirits.  "But the (Holy) Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), who forbid people to marry and (teach them) to abstain from (certain kinds of) foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and have (an increasingly clear) knowledge of the truth.  For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be thrown away or refused if it is received with thanksgiving.  For it is hallowed and consecrated by the Word of God and by prayer.  If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward and a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good (Christian) instruction which you have closely followed.  But refuse and avoid irreverent legends - profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers' tales - and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them.  Train yourself toward godliness (piety) - keeping yourself spiritually fit." (I Timothy 4:1-7)  Again John tells us in II John 6-11 to be on the alert for "religious" messengers and to reject them; holding fast to the truth.  "And what this love consists in is this, that we live and walk in accordance with and guided by His commandments - His orders, ordinances, precepts, teaching.  This is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you continue to walk in love - guided by it and following it.  For many impostors - seducers - deceivers - and false leaders - have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge (confess, admit) the coming of Jesus Christ; the Messiah, in bodily form; such a one is the imposter - the seducer, the deceiver, the false leader, the antagonist of Christ - and the antichrist.  Take care; look to yourselves that you may not lose (throw away or destroy) all that we and you have labored for, but that you may (persevere until you) win and receive back a perfect reward - in full.  Anyone who runs on ahead (of God) and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ - who is not content with what He taught - does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ - does have God; he has both the Father and the Son.  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine (is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught), do not receive him - do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him into (your) house or bid him godspeed or give him any encouragement.  For he who wishes him success - who encourages him, wishing him godspeed - is a partaker in his evil doing."  It should be evident to you by now that some religious malefactors will be outside of the Lord's Church, while others are within, constantly causing trouble.  When this form of sectarianism exists, the Word of God instructs us once again not to entertain such distractions.  "But avoid stupid and foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and wrangling about the law, for they are unprofitable and futile.  (As for) a man who is factious - a heretical sectarian and cause of divisions - after admonishing him a first and a second time reject (him from your fellowship and have nothing more to do with him), well aware that such a person has utterly changed - is perverted and corrupted; he goes on sinning (though) he is convicted of guilt and self-condemned."  (Titus 3:9-11).

Even after people surrender to Jesus; religion tries to manifest itself.  How grievous it is to see the damage that has been done in the Body of Christ with the presence of sectarian spirits.  Ever since the beginning of the church these forces have plagued God's people from within.  In Acts 15:5-11, we see sectarianism and religion again raise up its ugly head.  "But some who believed (that is, who acknowledged Jesus as their Savior and devoted themselves to Him) belonged to the sect of the Pharisees, and they rose up and said, it is necessary to circumcise (the Gentile converts), and to charge them to obey the law of Moses.  The apostles and the elders were assembled together to look into and consider the matter.   And after there had been a long debate, Peter got up and said to them, Brethren, you know that quite a while ago God made a selection from among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message of the Gospel (concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God) and believe - that is, credit and place their confidence in it.  And God, who is acquainted with and understands the heart, bore witness to them, giving then the Holy Spirit as also He did to us; and He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith (that is, by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God).  Now then, why do you try to test God by putting a yolk on the necks of the disciples, such as neither our forefathers nor we (ourselves) were able to endure?  But we believe that we are saved through the grace (the undeserved favor and mercy) of the Lord Jesus, just as they (are)."  Look at what happened to the same Peter when he was subdued by religious attitudes.  It was necessary for Paul to rebuke, reprove and correct Peter in public.  "But when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch I protested and opposed him to his face (concerning his conduct there), for he was blameable and stood condemned.  For up to the time that certain persons came from James, he ate his meals with the Gentile (converts); but when the men (from Jerusalem) arrived he withdrew and held himself aloof from the Gentiles and (ate) separately for fear of those of the circumcision (party).  And the rest of the Jews along with him also concealed their true convictions and acted insincerely, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy - that is by their example of insincerity and pretense.  But as soon as I saw that they were not straightforward and were not living up to the truth of the Gospel; I said to Cephas (Peter) before everybody present, if you, though born a Jew, can live (as you have been living) like a Gentile and not as a Jew, how do you dare now to urge and practically force the Gentiles to (comply with the ritual of Judaism and ) live like Jews?  (I went on to say), although we ourselves - you and I - are Jews by birth and not Gentile (heathen) sinners, yet we know that a man is justified or reckoned righteous and in right standing with God; not by works of law but (only) through faith and (absolute) reliance on and adherence to and trust in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One." (Galatians 2:11-16(a)).  We have today the same type of religious forces operating, trying to compel people to conform to some tradition or regulation.

Another early church problem that arose, that is also common today, was denominationalism (another form of sectarianism): This is a sect of people who simply decide to follow a man or a movement versus holding fast to Jesus, as Head of the church.  Look in I Corinthians 1 and see how this occurred and the obvious displeasure of the Lord as He spoke through Paul in verses 10-13.  "But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony, and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgements.  For it has been made clear to me, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household that there are contentions and wranglings and factions among you.  What I mean is this, that each of you (either) says, I belong to Paul, or I belong to Apollos, or I belong to Cephas (Peter), or I belong to Christ.  Is Christ, the Messiah, divided into parts?  Was Paul crucified on behalf of you?  Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?"  These questions are for everyone today in the world who are pledging their allegiance to someone or some organization other than Jesus Christ and His True Body.  The Apostle Paul addresses this part of the church twice on this same issue.  "For you are still (unspiritual, having the nature) of the flesh - under the control of ordinary impulses.  For as long as (there are) envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men?  For when one says, I belong to Apollos, are you not (proving yourselves) ordinary (unchanged) men?  What then is Apollos?  What is Paul?  Ministering servants (Not heads of parties) through whom you believed, even as the Lord appointed to each his task.  I planted; Apollos watered, but God (all the while) was making it grow, and (He) gave the increase.  So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but (only) God who makes it grow and become greater.  He who plants and he who waters are equal - one in aim, of the same importance and esteem - yet each shall receive his own reward (wages) according to his own labor.  For we are fellow workmen - joint promoters, laborers together - with and for God; you are God's garden and vineyard and field under cultivation (you are) God's building." (I Corinthians 3:3-9).  Again let me emphasize that sectarian and religious spirits manifest at times from within a local group or congregation.  "For, in the first place, when you assemble as a congregation, I hear that there are cliques (divisions and factions) among you and I in part believe it.  For doubtless there have to be factions or parties among you in order that they who are genuine and of approved fitness may become evident and plainly recognized among you." (I Corinthians 11:18-19.)  What we can observe, easily, is a self-destructive process.  This is caused by either people following people, or man-made doctrines, or personal preferences, rather than adhering to the truth of God.  Galatians 5:15 says, "But if you bite and devour one another (in partisan strife), be careful that you (and your whole fellowship) are not consumed by one another."  Here we see that the freedom we have been called to in Christ Jesus does not lend itself to strife, divisions and dissensions as a result of sectarian attitudes.  "In (this) freedom Christ has made us free - completely liberated us; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yolk of slavery - which you have once put off." (Galatians 5:1).  Shake yourself right now!  Be sure you are not being deceived or seduced by "religion" or "sectarianism".  Do not give in to pressure by friends, family, or even brothers and sisters in Christ who are held captive by this diabolical force.  Open your eyes, your ears!  Be alert!! You could have been free from religion at one time, but could have fallen again into it's grasp if you have not taken heed to the warnings in God's Word.  I believe you will choose not to be a victim of religion or sectarianism.

Let me offer you one more consideration before we leave the subject of sectarianism.  There are, of course, scriptural references made to "sects" in relation to those who broke away from religion's grasp to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is possible to be falsely accused of being a "sect" simply because you are not conforming to the tradition of men that makes the Gospel of no effect.  Listen to what was said of Paul by his religious accusers. "For we have found this man a perfect pest - a real plague - an agitator and source of disturbance to all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the (Heretical, division producing) sect of the Nazarene." (Acts 24:5). In Acts 28:22-23, we find Paul trying to explain to those who considered him a member of this "sect".  "But we think it is fitting and are eager to hear from you what it is that you have in mind, and believe, and what your opinion is, for with regard to this sect it is known to all of us that it is everywhere denounced.  So when they had set a day with him, they came in a large number to his lodging.  And he fully set forth and explained the matter to them; from morning until night, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets."

Let me close this chapter with a most abominable manifestation of "sectarianism".  In III John 5-10, the Word of God says, "Beloved it is a fine and faithful work that you are doing when you give any service to the (Christian) brethren and (especially when they are) strangers.  They have testified before the church of your love and friendship.  You will do well to forward them on their journey, (and you will please do so) in a way worthy of God's (service).  For these (travelling missionaries) have gone out for the Name's sake - for His sake - and are accepting nothing from the heathen (the Gentiles, the non-Israelites).  So we ourselves ought to support such people - to welcome and provide for them - in order that we may be fellow workers in the truth (the whole Gospel) and cooperate with its teachers.  I have written briefly to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead among them and put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority and refuses to accept mu suggestions or to listen to me.  So when I arrive, I will call attention to what he is doing, his boiling over and casting malicious reflections upon us with insinuating language.  And not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive and welcome the (missionary) brethren himself, and also interferes with and forbids those who would welcome them, and tries to expel (excommunicate) them from the church."  In the last five years working as a "missionary" a sent one, and years prior to that as a pastor and a teacher, I have observed the sad state and bad attitude that exists in so many circles.  People who call themselves Christians, believers and followers of Jesus Christ, reject others because they are not a part of their group, mission, denomination or movement.  Sad to say, one of the first questions I am usually asked by others is, "What mission are you with?" or "What church do you belong to?".

We as God's family all belong to the Lord's church, and are co-laborers in His Mission, are we not?  But you may ask, don't I need some license, or credentials or recommendations to give me entrance or acceptance to different places and people?  Do you?  Does God require that?  Did God's servants in the New Testament church have these things?  Let's look at Paul's response to this "religious" question in II Corinthians 3:1-6.  "Are we starting to commend ourselves again?  Or do we not, as some (false teachers), need written credentials or letters of recommendation to you or from you, (do we)?  (No, you) yourselves are our letter or recommendation (our credentials), written in your hearts, to be (perceived, recognized,) known and read by everybody.  You show and make obvious that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, not written with ink but with (the) Spirit of (the) Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.  Such is the reliance and confidence that we have through Christ toward and with reference to God.  Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgements or to claim or count anything as coming from us; but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God. (It is He) who has qualified us (making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient) as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant (of salvation through Christ) not (ministers) of the letter - that is legally written code - but of the Spirit; for the code (of the law) kills, but the (Holy) Spirit makes alive."

If you are a Christian (a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ) today, ask yourself this question!  Am I loving and respecting my brethren on the basis of Jesus Christ, the One Lord; the Holy Spirit, the one Spirit; His church, the one body; through faith in Him, the one faith; by His baptism, the one baptism, all these by One God and Father of us all, Who is above all, sovereign and Who through all is made possible.  Glory to God!  See Ephesians. 4:1-6.

I have a dear brother and fellow-worker that labors in the same area of Honduras, Central America, as I do at this writing.  He has been a minister and missionary with a Baptist organization for many years.  We have fellowshipped quite a lot, as we are in an area where there are only a few english speaking people.  Our fellowship centers around Jesus Christ, not around any doctrines of men or religious beliefs.  One day while we were fellowshipping, this brother asked me this question.  "How do you explain why we can enjoy our fellowship together and accept one another so easily?"  My reply was simply this, "Well for my part, Brother, I can say that first I see you as a fellow Christian, secondly as a fellow minister, thirdly as a fellow-worker and fellow servant and lastly as a Baptist."  What are we concentrating on anyhow?  We can only be united in Christ Jesus our Lord.  We can serve one another and with one another if we can be free of "religion".

If you are going to reject something, or refuse to accept something why don't you refuse "sectarianism" and "religion"?  Is it possible for you to learn, grow, and mature in your relationship with God?  In Jesus' Name, I pray it be so.

Summary

The Word of God is Supreme!  Jesus Christ says in John 8:32 & 36, "And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free --- so if the Son liberated you - makes you free men -- then you are really and unquestionable free."  Do you want to be free?  Free from religion?  I pray you do!  We can only be free as we follow Jesus, Who is the Word!  Who is the Truth!  "Every scripture is God breathed - given by His inspiration - and profitable for instruction for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in righteousness (that is, in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3:16-17).  Hallelujah!  We have to work God's way, with God's Word as our motivation.  Don't be deceived by your accomplishments, that appear to be pleasing to God, for the Lord Jesus warns us very clearly that not all who call Him Lord are His people.  "Not every one 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.  Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many mighty works in Your name?  And them will I say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly - disregarding My commands." (Matthew 7:21-23)

The Apostle Paul, who was converted from "religion" to a follower of Jesus Christ, speaks to all men, who would hear, about his former and latter pursuits for God.  "You have heard of my earlier career and former manner of life in the Jewish religion (Judaism), how I persecuted and abused the church of God furiously and extensively, and (with fanatical zeal did my best) to make havoc of it and destroy it." (Galatians 1:13).  "Though for myself I have (at least grounds) to rely on the flesh.  If any other man considers that he has or seems to have a reason to rely on the flesh and his physical and outward advantages, still more have I!  Circumcised when I was eight days old, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew (and the son) of Hebrews, as to the observance of the law I was of (the party of) the Pharisees, as to my zeal I was a persecutor of the church, and by law's standard of righteousness - (supposed) justice, uprightness and right standing with God - I was proven to be blameless and no fault was found with me.  But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as (one combined) loss for Christ's sake.  Yes, furthermore I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege - the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth and supreme advantage - of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly.  For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ, the Anointed One. --- I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet);  But one thing I do -- it is my one aspiration:  forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward."  (Philippians 3:4-8, 13-14).  Hallelujah!

"Religion" gets you nowhere!  Jesus takes you all the way through life and into heaven, Glory to God!  Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-40, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (intellect).  This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment.  And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as (you do) yourself.  These two commandments sum up and upon them depends all the law and the prophets."  I hope you see by now that "religious" people are unable to love the Lord and unable to love their neighbor.  They only love themselves.

I want to challenge you!  If you be a true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, stay free of religion!  Help others who are bound by this abominable spirit of religion to be free.  "And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome - fighting and contending.  Instead he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered - preserving the bond of peace; He must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.  He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth - that is, that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it, and that they may come to their senses (and) escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, (henceforth) to do His (God's) will."  (II Timothy 2:24-26).

I therefore pray, by the power of the Blood of Jesus Christ, and in Jesus' name  that you will be free from religious spirits and you will deny religion entrance into your life.  

Love to all,
Buddy Axley
February 12, 1988