What comes to mind when you hear the term “organized religion?” No doubt it brings up different images to
different people, but in general it probably elicits thoughts of moral codes,
the practice of traditions, following of rules and restrictions, stiff and formal
settings, “a bunch of hypocrites,” or perhaps even unpleasant memories or
feelings of rejection.
Along with the concept of organized religion has come the notion that the Christian church is a building or a service, not the people who gather there to serve and to grow in Christ. Because of this focus church buildings tend to look, feel and sound different from other places where people gather. When was the last time, for example, that you attended a public event, except in a church, that used pews for people sit in? Why? It’s tradition! Do we somehow think that a pew is more holy than a normal auditorium seat? Or, that God inhabits or feels more comfortable in a building if it has stained glass windows and the clergy wear beautiful vestments?
Please note: I am not criticizing these structures or the wearing of special apparel in themselves but rather our attitude toward them when we ascribe to them spiritual properties or value. I am reminded of the conversation between Jesus and His disciples during the week of His crucifixion. The disciples were so amazed as they pointed out the beauty and wonderful stones of the temple in Jerusalem, yet Jesus quickly set them straight. God was not pleased with the how the temple was being used and would allow its destruction so that “not one stone shall be left upon another which will not be torn down.” (Mark 13:2)
Do we think that being in a church building and practicing good works will make us better? If merely doing the right things could make us better and eliminate sin in our lives, then there would have been no need for Jesus to come and to give His life as “a ransom for many.” His sacrifice and suffering would have been a waste. The Jewish nation was and remains historical evidence of this truth about the human race. After centuries of God’s special blessings and enlightenment, Israel’s religious leaders committed the ultimate act of depravity by rejecting and killing Jesus, God Himself in human flesh.
“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” So writes the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. As we’ve mentioned in earlier posts, Paul is writing to this young church that he has not yet visited, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, to be sure they understand the basics of the Christian faith. In particular, he has clearly developed the case that everyone falls short when it comes to living up to the standard of perfection required by a holy God. This, simply put, is the definition of sin.
But there were among the Roman Christians, as in every early church, a number of Jewish believers in Jesus who still thought that religious practices of Judaism had a role in their salvation. While some of these practices were worthwhile and even important, the problem that crept in was the temptation to trust partly in their own works and traditions rather than solely in Christ’s completed work of dying on the cross to secure their salvation. Paul would have none of this and vehemently opposed anyone who preached a “gospel” of salvation that included works. “As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:9)
“You who boast in the Law,” he continues to the Romans, “through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? For ‘The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’ just as it is written.” (Romans 2:23, 24)
Along with the concept of organized religion has come the notion that the Christian church is a building or a service, not the people who gather there to serve and to grow in Christ. Because of this focus church buildings tend to look, feel and sound different from other places where people gather. When was the last time, for example, that you attended a public event, except in a church, that used pews for people sit in? Why? It’s tradition! Do we somehow think that a pew is more holy than a normal auditorium seat? Or, that God inhabits or feels more comfortable in a building if it has stained glass windows and the clergy wear beautiful vestments?
Please note: I am not criticizing these structures or the wearing of special apparel in themselves but rather our attitude toward them when we ascribe to them spiritual properties or value. I am reminded of the conversation between Jesus and His disciples during the week of His crucifixion. The disciples were so amazed as they pointed out the beauty and wonderful stones of the temple in Jerusalem, yet Jesus quickly set them straight. God was not pleased with the how the temple was being used and would allow its destruction so that “not one stone shall be left upon another which will not be torn down.” (Mark 13:2)
Do we think that being in a church building and practicing good works will make us better? If merely doing the right things could make us better and eliminate sin in our lives, then there would have been no need for Jesus to come and to give His life as “a ransom for many.” His sacrifice and suffering would have been a waste. The Jewish nation was and remains historical evidence of this truth about the human race. After centuries of God’s special blessings and enlightenment, Israel’s religious leaders committed the ultimate act of depravity by rejecting and killing Jesus, God Himself in human flesh.
“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” So writes the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. As we’ve mentioned in earlier posts, Paul is writing to this young church that he has not yet visited, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, to be sure they understand the basics of the Christian faith. In particular, he has clearly developed the case that everyone falls short when it comes to living up to the standard of perfection required by a holy God. This, simply put, is the definition of sin.
But there were among the Roman Christians, as in every early church, a number of Jewish believers in Jesus who still thought that religious practices of Judaism had a role in their salvation. While some of these practices were worthwhile and even important, the problem that crept in was the temptation to trust partly in their own works and traditions rather than solely in Christ’s completed work of dying on the cross to secure their salvation. Paul would have none of this and vehemently opposed anyone who preached a “gospel” of salvation that included works. “As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:9)
“You who boast in the Law,” he continues to the Romans, “through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? For ‘The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’ just as it is written.” (Romans 2:23, 24)
If Paul were writing to the Church today, what do you
suppose he might say to us? Do we have a
parallel situation…not with the practice of Judaism but our own religious traditions
that have collected around the Church since his time – practices that look nice
on the outside but are hollow on the inside?
Would he tell us to get rid of our trappings because we think that we have God’s special blessing through our religious observances when in reality they often are but empty works that the outside world easily sees through. Should we be surprised when the world condemns us as fake and foolish and blasphemes God because our lifestyles reveal to them that we are living no differently than they are?
Just as we individually have all sinned and fallen short, so man-made, organized religion has fallen short of the glory of God.
May God grant His Church the grace to repent where we have allowed organized religion to replace Him in our lives and restore us to a right relationship with Him.
Would he tell us to get rid of our trappings because we think that we have God’s special blessing through our religious observances when in reality they often are but empty works that the outside world easily sees through. Should we be surprised when the world condemns us as fake and foolish and blasphemes God because our lifestyles reveal to them that we are living no differently than they are?
Just as we individually have all sinned and fallen short, so man-made, organized religion has fallen short of the glory of God.
May God grant His Church the grace to repent where we have allowed organized religion to replace Him in our lives and restore us to a right relationship with Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment