NEWS Religion vs. Spirit
Throughout my travels, I often hear people speaking about those who have seen God through revelation and are now walking in love as being "religious." I shudder when I hear this. There is nothing religious about walking in love. Those who walk in love are in Christ. It's a Spiritual existence. There is no religion inside Christ. There is only love, for God is love (1 John 4:8) and God is spirit (John 4:24). We worship God in spirit - not in religion. In fact, we must worship Him in spirit (John 4:24).
Now, this is not to say that there is no religion on this planet. In fact, there is far too much of it! Chip Brogden at The School of Christ has a nice description of the difference between religion and the Spirit. Here's how Chip puts it:
Religion is based on what I have accomplished and what I am doing, while spirituality is based on what Christ has accomplished and what He is doing.
Religious hearts haven't been crucified with Christ via the Cross. Spiritual hearts have been crucified with Christ. That's the key difference!
As Paul told the Galatians:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
(Galatians 2:20)
Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) was one of the most religious men on the planet before he saw Christ. Listen to what Paul says about his religious past:
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:4-11)
Paul's religion became "rubbish" when he saw Christ. Hallelujah!!! That is precisely what happens when you see God and become entangled with Christ through the Spirit. Religion and religious things fall away. They aren't important. You don't need them. All you need is Christ. His love reigns supreme. He is enough!
May you see God and may His love reign supreme in your surrendered heart.
Agape,
Steve
Now, this is not to say that there is no religion on this planet. In fact, there is far too much of it! Chip Brogden at The School of Christ has a nice description of the difference between religion and the Spirit. Here's how Chip puts it:
Religion is based on what I have accomplished and what I am doing, while spirituality is based on what Christ has accomplished and what He is doing.
Religious hearts haven't been crucified with Christ via the Cross. Spiritual hearts have been crucified with Christ. That's the key difference!
As Paul told the Galatians:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
(Galatians 2:20)
Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) was one of the most religious men on the planet before he saw Christ. Listen to what Paul says about his religious past:
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:4-11)
Paul's religion became "rubbish" when he saw Christ. Hallelujah!!! That is precisely what happens when you see God and become entangled with Christ through the Spirit. Religion and religious things fall away. They aren't important. You don't need them. All you need is Christ. His love reigns supreme. He is enough!
May you see God and may His love reign supreme in your surrendered heart.
Agape,
Steve
posted by Steve at
10:25 AM
1 Comments:
Dear brother, I could not agree with you more! Religion is so futile. In the end it is all about relationship, a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I am so glad you experience this and share it with others! This is our job and joy while waiting to meet Him face to face. God bless you!
Post a Comment
<< Home