Let’s try this again.
Let’s look at some scripture. First, we go back to Cain and Abel again. Cain’s offering was unacceptable to God. We see in the second generation of humanity the pride of giving God only what we want to give instead of humbling ourselves to see what He requires of us. Even before murder, Cain was guilty of false religion.
Also in Genesis we have the tower of Babel. With some understanding of God, they attempted to reach the heights of heaven in their own power. God frustrated that effort. It is His love when He does.
Moving on the the much beloved Ten Commandments, we have two that deal with false religion: “no gods before me” and “not taking the Lord’s name in vain.”
The “no gods before me” is fairly clear (despite how often we willingly partake in it). But what gets confused in our modern understanding is the term “taking the Lord’s name in vain.” Many have advanced the idea that this is saying “God-damn-it” as a curse word.
While it may include this, I believe that “taking the Lord’s name in vain” is a much bigger idea. It includes misusing His name, as it has been understood among rabbis for thousands of years, but the bigger idea for us to comprehend is that He was ascribing to a group the title “people of God.” Israel means “prince of God.” “If you obey this law, I will be your God and you will be my people.” To do something in vain means as if it were nothing, for no credit, value or profit.
As Christians, this becomes even more important. We actually claim a name of God when we say “Christian.” We shouldn’t take the name as if it were nothing, for no credit, value or profit. In other words, don’t say you follow God when you actually don’t.
Moving on, we have many examples of idolatry and false worship in the Old Testament. Aaron’s eldest sons were killed by God for offering the wrong incense as priests. The prophets dealt continuously with idolatry and improper worship, even worship without love.
But this was in the OT, under the Old Law … surely how we worship isn’t that important anymore …
Let’s begin again with Paul. He specifically wrote warning against men who were only interested in worldly gain, worshiped angels, preached an acceptance of sin in the Christian life. Paul continually tried to protect his assemblies from “those of the circumcision,” Jews who claimed Christ and held Gentiles to ceremonial standards. Paul even publicly disputed with Peter about this. Paul also dealt with proper leadership characteristics, basic sound doctrine, modesty and love in times of meeting, and how to treat one another during the Lord’s Supper.
Now we can move on to Jesus Himself. No group of people felt the ire of the Lord more than the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other religious leaders. The only time we see Christ physically act on His anger in the gospels was on the issue of people making a profit in the House of God, meant for prayer. He even called them names.
“Pit of vipers” “Whitewashed tombs” “Sons of the Devil”
Jesus told the Jews of His generation that the blood of all the prophets from the beginning would be on their hands. When we look at all He accused them of, we see why.
“You search the world for one convert and make him a two-fold son of hell worse than yourself.”
“You clean the outside but the inside is still dirty.”
“Do what the Pharisees say but not what they do.”
“Beware the leaven of the Pharisees (pride).”
“The Pharisees love the best seats at the feasts and synagogues. They will endure a greater condemnation.”
“Hypocrites! You make the word of God of no effect for the sake of your own traditions.”
“You search the scriptures for eternal life. These are the scriptures that testify of me, but you wouldn’t come to me, that you would have life.”
This would be considered hate speech today … and they did then, too, crucifying Him for it.
A cursory reading of the gospels reveals how much Christ hated the sin of false religion as expressed through the religious leaders of His day. Of course, if there is false religion, there must be a true religion of Christ in the earth apart from the work of men.
We’ll try and cover some of all that tomorrow.
Peace.