True Faith or False Religion?

Opening:

False religion is born when men replace God’s truth with human tradition, form without faith, and rituals without repentance. But true faith is born from a heart transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ—submitting to His lordship, seeking His will, and living in obedience to His Word. It manifests in holiness, love, and biblically grounded practices such as evangelism, fellowship, communion, and care for the vulnerable.

Many people are religious—yet the Bible warns that not all religion pleases God. In fact, Jesus rebuked the religious elite of His day for honoring God outwardly while their hearts were far from Him:

“This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
— Mark 7:6–7 (cf. Isaiah 29:13)

1. False Religion: Belief Without Truth

Belief, in itself, is not virtuous—it depends on what or whom we believe in. False religion arises when belief is placed in anything other than the true and living God as revealed in Scripture.

“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools… Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator.”
— Romans 1:22, 25

Even demons believe in God’s existence (James 2:19), but that belief does not save—they do not trust, love, or obey Him.

False religion often has the appearance of wisdom, but it lacks power:

“Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility… but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.”
— Colossians 2:23

2. True Faith: Trust in Jesus as Lord and Saviour

Biblical faith is not mere belief—it is saving trust in Jesus Christ: crucified, risen, and exalted.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
— Romans 10:9

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven… whereby we must be saved.”
— Acts 4:12

This faith is not a vague spirituality. It is faith in the historical, risen Jesus—the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

3. Faith That Transforms: A Life of Obedience

True faith leads to repentance and a changed life. It produces obedience, not perfection—but a growing desire to walk in God’s ways.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
— John 14:15

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”
— 1 John 2:3

Faith that does not produce action is dead:

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
— James 2:17

4. The Fruit of Faith: Biblical Practices

When Christ reigns in the heart, a person naturally desires to obey His Word and participate in the life and mission of the Church. These biblical practices are not means of salvation, but evidences of salvation.

a. Evangelism – The Great Commission

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
— Matthew 28:19–20

b. Fellowship – Gathering with the Saints

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is…”
— Hebrews 10:25

c. Communion – Remembering the Lord’s Death

“This do in remembrance of me… For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:24–26

d. True Religion – Love for the Vulnerable

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
— James 1:27

5. Beware of Religion Without Christ

Just as in Jesus’ day, many still follow “religious tradition” while ignoring God’s Word. Jesus warned:

“Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”
— Mark 7:9

Religion is dangerous when it replaces Christ with customs, and substitutes outward show for inward change.

Conclusion: Examine Your Faith

Not all who appear religious are right with God. Jesus said:

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven… Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord… and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you…”
— Matthew 7:21–23

True faith begins with the heart—broken over sin, believing the gospel, and surrendering to Christ. It continues with a life that seeks God’s glory, walks in obedience, and reflects His love.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.”
— 2 Corinthians 13:5


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