I did not make it to "religions" definition in our last posting so here goes this is taken from Daniel Webster's 1828 Dictionary: RELIGION, n. relij'on. [L. religio, from religo, to bind anew; re and ligo, to bind. This word seems originally to have signified an oath or vow to the gods, or the obligation of such an oath or vow, which was held very sacred by the Romans.] 1. Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountableness to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to his will or commands, is not religion. 4. "Any system of faith and worship. In this sense, religion comprehends the belief and worship of pagans and Mohammedans, as well as that of christians; any religion consisting in the belief of a superior power or powers governing the world, and in the worship of such power or powers. Thus we speak of the religion of the Turks, of the Hindoos, of the Indians, &c. as well as of that of Christianity as a religion. We speak of false religion, as well as of true religion, James 1."
Now I will say that in my humble opinion of which we all have one and therefore are free to express it, to be a Christ centered person is in no way to be considered as a religion. As for the use of the word "religion" in Paul's letters where he makes reference to religion he speaks of the Jewish faith in the Law's of Moses with its many rules, as a tutor for their flesh's rebellion. As we were not given any new customs rites rituals nor have we been given any traditions placed upon us, other than to consider our gathering together with like minded people on occasion as an assembly of two or more where Christ is the central theme of the discourse. Jesus and His team of disciples are our best examples of this are they wondered the fields and streets of Israel and on occasion the temples of the Jew's religion, even Paul the New Testament witness did such while on his many mission trips. Now if there be any customs rites rituals or traditions they would be a carryover from the Jewish days. But they like the Law of Moses they have no place to be given in our relationship with the Father or that of His Son our LORD, let alone that of His Holy Spirit within us. For we do not want to grieve the Holy Spirit. And because the GOD Head resides within each of us there is no place given for such foolishness in His kingdom. For to be held by chains of religion, any religious form, places us squarely in the bulls-eye of the Harlot of Revelation 17-18's discourse and teaching. For even within it there is a calling out from among (18:4-8) those who are actually in this religious, political and financial form or those of a worldly, earthy mindset. Now hear again our calling out from among them of 2Corinthians 6:11-7:4.
2Corinthians 6:11-14, 15-7:1, 2-4 "We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
The Temple of the Living God
What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
2Co 6:16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "'I will make My dwelling (within) among them and walk (My presence will be) among them, and I will be their GOD, and they shall be My people. Therefore (Isaiah 52:11 of 11-12) go out from their midst, and be separate from them (Revelation 18:4-8), says the LORD, and touch no unclean thing (of their rites, rituals, customs, traditions, ceremonies, religious holidays or such things); then I will welcome you, (2Samuel 7:14, 1Chronicles 17:13, Isaiah 43:6 and Hosea 1:10) and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty." Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear (reverence) of GOD.
Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy."
We are Now a people of relationship, spiritual relationship, by faith's having the essence of the GOD Head within us just as the first man and woman had in Genesis 2. For some this means that they remain within the camp until they hear GOD's Voice calling them out be it for transformation in the departure or to become as we are His witnesses among them. Bearing His essence wherever and what time or place is under His control.
No comments:
Post a Comment