Religion vs. Relationship
There is a common saying you may have heard, “Christianity isn’t a religion, it’s a relationship.” But you know, I don’t think it needs to be an either/or.
Many people have a negative perspective on religion because they perceive it to be man-made, and because there are many false religions in the world. But Christianity is a true religion established by Jesus Christ Himself.
And James even says in the Bible that the fruits of this “true religion” will be things like caring for widows and orphans.
Is there a relationship between the Christian and Christ? Of course. We are in relationship with Jesus Christ through His Word, through prayer, through communion, and by his indwelling us.
But Christianity is more than just an individual relationship between a person and Jesus. We are also a part of the “communion of saints.” We are a part of the holy, worldwide Christian Church. The one and only.
If you are in a personal relationship with Jesus, that is wonderful. But the life of faith wasn’t meant to be lived alone. I want to encourage you to find a local church that preaches the Gospel straight from the Bible. Because Christianity is not simply a religion or just a relationship, it’s both.
“If you are in a personal relationship with Jesus, that is wonderful. But the life of faith wasn’t meant to be lived alone.”
James 1:27
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”