There are three problems with talking about false religion:
First, we are ignorant. For whatever reason, we just do not know the right way, and so when confronted with it, we feel more confused and helpless than anything else.
Second, we are prideful. In the true Church, things like seminary degrees, worldly achievement, and material wealth mean nothing … but they do in the world. In order to enter true worship, really the kingdom at all, there must be repentance (change) and the child-like innocent humility to learn all over again.
Third, we are deceived. We actually believe these non-biblical traditions are the way. We twist scripture (or add to it) and call the true work of the Holy Spirit “heresy” or “craziness” or some other name.
But if in any way we’d rather have our traditions than the truth, to that degree we are like the Pharisees. Let’s look at a few principles of biblical worship.
Worship is in “Spirit and in truth,” or as some translations put it, Spirit-truth. Worship is not confined or defined by a place but a people who choose to do so in Spirit-truth.
Worship is in community, “where two or more are gathered, there I am.” Someone recently pointed out to me how the modern English form of you as singular and plural does us a disservice. Many times when Christ uses the term “you”, He is speaking in the plural, to the group, not singular to us as individuals. Christ is where we are gathered, not associated.
Worship is open, interactive, and spontaneous. “When you come together, everyone of you has a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation.” “But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.” “For you can all prophesy one by one.” If the Spirit is in you, and the Spirit inspired the scriptures, then this must be true … right? All have something to give. This clearly means in the meeting, in a vocal way, in praise, prayer, prophecy, or teaching.
Worship is orderly in its spontaneity. “The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, for God is not an author of confusion but of peace.” Openness, interactivity, and spontanaeity are not opportunities to be rude or disorderly — although many need to have a biblical definition of disorder since their definition of disorder includes what the Bible describes as Spirit-led order.
Worship is about encouraging one another first and foremost, “let all things be done for edification.”
Leadership is based on character and gifts, not on academic achievement, personality, or talent (1 Tim 3).
Worship is done in love. “Do everything in love.” This is considering everyone better than yourself in humble acts of service.
I could go on and on (okay … I already have), but the point here is consistent. Much of what is described in the New Testament as Christianity is directly opposite of what we do. And it concerns me that we so quickly make excuses, justify the gap, or just plain ignore it. My concern is two-fold:
First, that we are missing a blessing of God when we do it the wrong way. Uzzah was killed by God for putting his hands on the ark. David went back to the scripture to find the right way and the presence of God came to Jerusalem. But at first, David was very angry, and he could have killed people all the way to Jerusalem (if God had allowed that), dragging the ark on a new cart. So many walk with a faith that is weak, discouraged and defeated. God desires the victorious life for each of His children. It is difficult to stop eating crumbs and enjoy the feast if you won’t come to the table.
Secondly, we are in danger of a greater condemnation when we choose our own traditions over Spirit-truth. The reason false religion is so diabolical is that we can think we are saved when we are not (not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” and all that). Even worse, we convince others they are safe for the same reason, converting them to another version of the world disguised as truth.
This is why Jesus says to the Pharisees, “the prostitutes and tax collectors will enter the Kingdom before you.” Because they know they are lost, they’ve chosen to be hot or cold. We know what happens to lukewarm. It is extremely difficult to get the lukewarm to see their lukewarmness because someone has lied to them and told them their warm enough. They still have to repent of worldliness, and this is difficult when it is clothed in religious garb. God might have to knock them off their horses and blind them. They are already convinced of their safety and convince others of the same, therefore in danger of a greater condemnation.
The NT says to “examine yourself to see if you are still in the faith” and “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Be careful if your doctrine of eternal security keeps you from following these demands.
Instead of looking at the Pharisees as someone you are not, consider how Jesus could be speaking to you in those passages. It is a sure sign you are Pharisee if you refuse to consider your identification with them.
And yes, for many this requires drastic change in their fellowships, what they teach, and what group they belong to. There was a good reason John the Baptist was not a priest (his father’s career) and Jesus was not a Pharisee (the religious group closest to His own doctrine). They both refused to partake in a religion that was only the world in different clothes. God is always ready for a people who will do the same. Be saved from this perverse generation.
Religion sucks.
Jesus rules!
Peace.