It’s a question that’s been asked throughout history: what’s the difference between religion and having a relationship with God? The answer can be complicated, but in essence, there is a significant distinction. Religion is about following rules and regulations set forth to appease or gain favor from God. Relationship with God is about opening yourself up to His love and mercy and developing a personal connection with Him. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between religion vs relationship with God.
What Does the Bible Say About Religion vs Relationship with God?
The distinction between religion vs relationship with God is seen throughout scripture in the faith vs works discussion. Here’s what the Bible says about following rules vs having faith–about religion vs relationship with God.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Religion is about following rules and regulations to receive a positive outcome. In Christianity, that would look like trying to do all the “right” things or be a “good” person to get to heaven. But the Bible clearly states that the way to heaven is through faith in Jesus, not works. Only by accepting Jesus into our hearts can we have a relationship with God and spend eternity with Him.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Many people respond religiously to God because they want His acceptance and love. However, it is by our faith that we please Him. And it is by our faith that He rewards His children and offers eternal life. Someone could do all the “right” things–go to church, be kind and generous, serve people–but if they don’t have faith in God and a relationship with Him, God is not pleased.
Choosing relationship with God over religion doesn’t mean that we don’t follow God’s commands. We still need to do what is right. The difference is the posture of our heart and the reason for doing it. People who live religiously follow God’s commands because they’re trying to prove themselves and their worth. People who live in relationship with God follow His commands because they love Him. Loving someone comes from knowing them, and knowing them comes from being in an intimate relationship with them. That’s the type of relationship God wants with each one of us.
“‘Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
This passage of scripture is likely the most significant difference between religion vs relationship with God. Jesus makes it very clear that solely doing the works of God will not get you into heaven. You must have a relationship with Him and, out of that relationship, live according to His Word.
So, What’s the Difference Between Religion vs Relationship?
Religion says you must do certain things and follow legalistic practices to get right with God. Relationship says you must believe in Jesus and have a relationship with Him. From that relationship, you receive grace, forgiveness, and justification. Relationship with God isn’t an excuse to sin–it’s a reason not to sin and instead do what God has called you to do. While our works do not save us, it is by our works we profess and live out our faith.
James 2:18-23 says, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.”
So, what is the difference between religion vs relationship with God? Religion focuses on good works as the way to reach God. However, through faith in Jesus Christ, we can have a personal relationship with Him. Our actions then come out of our love for Him and fulfill His will in our lives. If you’re looking for more ways to connect with Jesus and find hope and encouragement, be sure to check out the All Things By Faith blog!
Christianity is God's offer of relationship with Him through Jesus' finished work on the cross, whereas religion is the attempt to make oneself right with God by one's own effort.
While religion consists of the activities we do to make ourselves right with God and others, having a personal relationship with Christ means we know we can never do anything to truly make ourselves right before Him. God is not impressed by our religious activity, but He is well-pleased by His Son.
They are “faiths” build around a certain set of beliefs. “Religion” as I define it, is the way that we express or practice our “faith.” So when someone asks me “What if your faith?” the answer is “I am a Christian.” When someone asks me “what is your religion?” the answer is “I am Orthodox.”
Yes, you can have a deep relationship with God without ever entering a church or synagogue or mosque. The advantage of being a part of a faith community is that you have people to support you on the journey. The word God means many things for different people.
The life we live we live to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) through the power of that relational connection (2 Corinthians 5:17). We can say with great joy and confidence in God's Word: the New Life is not a religion, it's a relationship!
A belief in God but not religion falls under the category of agnostic theism. The belief in God exists, but there may be a rejection of the institutional orthodoxy and orthopraxy of the religion.
Christianity is definitely a religion. Furthermore, it is the one true religion. It is the religion of religions. I have absolutely no apprehension about the term.
Christianity, major religion stemming from the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth (the Christ, or the Anointed One of God) in the 1st century ce. It has become the largest of the world's religions and, geographically, the most widely diffused of all faiths.
Hebrews 11:1–6. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
The concept of faith is found in many religious traditions, including Protestantism, Catholicism and Buddhism. While often related to a system of religious beliefs, faith also holds secular connotations. From a secular perspective, faith emphasizes loyalty and commitment.
Christian deists do not worship Jesus as God. However, there are differing views concerning the exact nature of Jesus, as well as differing levels of hewing to traditional, orthodox deistic belief on this issue. There are two main theological positions.
Certainly, a lack of church attendance likely inhibits one coming to faith in Christ by not being under the proclamation of the gospel. But the question is really not about whether attending church saves anyone—that's only a ruse to steer the conversation away from the pointed realities of the gospel.
Many believe attending church is synonymous with having a personal relationship with God, but that's not true. Having a personal relationship with God involves more than just attending church. God doesn't only want us to attend church; he wants a personal relationship with us.
The Bible says that God loved the world. It does not say that God loved the church, or that God loved the Christians, or that God loved the believers. It says that God loved the WORLD. And because of this love he has for the world, Jesus came to earth to on a rescue mission.
The definition of religion according to the Bible—the religious text used to support Christianity—is similar to the U.S. Supreme Court description of the term. The Bible does not explicitly define the word, but its interpreted definition describes it as a system that determines one's worldview.
Of course, Jesus was a Jew. He was born of a Jewish mother, in Galilee, a Jewish part of the world. All of his friends, associates, colleagues, disciples, all of them were Jews. He regularly worshipped in Jewish communal worship, what we call synagogues.
Religion means both being related to, and to studie very carefully - so the religion is the study of how others lived with God, what God did or said to people that trusted in Him and Loved Him, and how a whole people lived and was with Him - the jews. This is the Tanach. Or as we Christians say: the Old Testament.
RELIGION is man trying to BRING HIMSELF TO GOD (by human effort, good works, ritualism, traditionalism, sacraments, etc.). CHRISTIANITY is Christ BRINGING US TO GOD on the basis of what He did for us on the cross (1 Peter 3:18). Religion is man trusting his own good works (Titus 3:5).
In short, James tells us that true religion is a devotion to God, demonstrated by love and compassion for fellowmen, coupled with unworldliness. Such a statement seems too simple to be sufficient, but in its simplicity it speaks an important truth.
Christianity, major religion stemming from the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth (the Christ, or the Anointed One of God) in the 1st century ce. It has become the largest of the world's religions and, geographically, the most widely diffused of all faiths.
Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557
Phone: +59115435987187
Job: Education Supervisor
Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening
Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
