I can't remember the first time I heard the words, “Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is not a religion.” yeah. It's a relationship.'' I remember hearing this phrase in high school. I graduated high school in 2001, but this saying was already percolating in my South Texas ears. I don't know how long it has been in circulation.
I've always loved that expression. I remember repeating this phrase to others, and I'm sure it appeared in some of the early sermons I preached.
“Christianity is not a religion; it is a relationship.” This statement rings true to me, as I have known since my teenage years that many people are suspicious of organized religion. It seemed to me. This expression basically tells people, “God wants a relationship with you through Christ. That's what Christianity is all about.”
But false dichotomies are real, and that representation is one of them.
I think the expression “Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is not a religion” is correct. “It's a relationship” is meant to be helpful, not deny the truth. People who use this expression are probably trying to counter negative impressions that some people have about religious practices and obligations. They seek to present the uniqueness of Christianity as being based on God's grace rather than human works. And they seek to emphasize the good news that God graciously pursues sinners through a plan of redemption that culminates in the perfect atoning sacrifice of his Son. In Christ, we have a relationship with God characterized by forgiveness, life, and peace.
But before you believe those who say that Christianity is not a religion, let's consider what is important. meaning Of religion?
Definitions of terms are important in any discussion. And if someone frames “religion” as inherently false and works-based, then Christianity is not. However, the definition of religion is broader and more general.
Following Jesus is not some vague, nebulous concept that people can do no matter what they believe or how they live.
Religion is a set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices. These beliefs concern all sorts of things, including whether God exists, what the meaning of life is, and whether anything happens after death.
Christianity is a religion because the Bible specifies the attitudes, beliefs, and practices of Christians.
If someone says, “Christianity is about a relationship with God,” we should ask a follow-up question. What kind of god is this? What is the meaning of your relationship with him? How is a relationship with God established? Where did Christianity come from? Why wasn't this desired relationship with God something we already had? How should I respond to this relationship?
When we begin to ask and answer these questions, we enter the realm of what Christians should do. believe. And belief is essential to religion.
Christianity also has customs. These include praying, fasting, giving, and singing. We gather together for corporate worship as God's people. There was a Great Commission, in which Christ called his disciples to make disciples of the nations.
Following Jesus is not some vague, nebulous concept that people can do no matter what they believe or how they live. Christianity is a religion. If we distort the essence of Christianity, we are not helping people.
And Christianity is also the good news of God's merciful salvation of sinners, of grace and faith and an unbreakable union with God in Christ. Praise God for relevant news in Christianity. But God also has a relationship with unbelievers. hostility. Rebels against God pursue a hostile relationship with God. What sinners need is a new and reconciled relationship with God.
Christianity proclaims the good news that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life for sinners (John 14:6).
Don't be afraid to claim or explain that Christianity is a religion and relationship. Rather than abolishing the word “religion,” we should adopt the words “truth” and “falsehood.” The Christian message is: truth religion, truth worship, truth life. Religions based on man-made religions and works of the world are: error For there is no God but the living God who revealed himself in Christ Jesus.
When trying to help people understand what it means to trust and follow Jesus, we want to avoid overly personalizing the disciples. After all, some people have a spiritual allergy to gathering together, submitting to authority, and living obediently. They prefer the “me and Jesus” version of Christianity. This is because it costs nothing and allows you to live your life the way you want while claiming to be spiritual but not religious.
We say, “Christianity is not a religion; Christianity is not a religion.” It's a relationship.'' We unknowingly get caught up in the problem of individuation that plagues the lives of many professing Christians.
Does Christianity teach about God's new relationship with sinners through faith in Christ? Yes. But is Christianity still a religion? of course. In fact, it is truth religion. It is true worship and obedience to the living God. And that includes the understanding that Christ redeemed the nations for His glory. He gave his life for his bride, the Church.
As we help people understand what it means to trust and follow Jesus, we need to make sure we respect what the Bible teaches about discipleship. We are to follow Jesus along with His people.
This essay is first published At Substack with Dr. Mitchell Chase.”Biblical theology.”
