True religion – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible defines true religion as one that is centered on loving and obeying God from the heart rather than merely following external practices (Deuteronomy 10:12–13; Micah 6:8). It flows from faith in Jesus Christ, the only mediator between God and humanity (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). The New Testament describes true religion in terms of transformed living—showing mercy, practicing holiness, and caring for those in need (James 1:27). It is not about earning favor with God, since salvation comes by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), but about living in a way that honors Him because one has been saved. The Bible warns against false religion, which may have the appearance of devotion to God but denies God’s power (Matthew 15:8–9; 2 Timothy 3:5). True religion is therefore inseparable from a genuine relationship with God, grounded in truth and expressed in love.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• True religion begins with knowing and worshiping the one true God. Israel was called to love the LORD wholeheartedly and obey His commands (Deuteronomy 6:4–5; 10:12–13). The prophets repeatedly warned that sacrifices and ceremonies were meaningless without justice, mercy, and humility before God (Isaiah 1:11–17; Micah 6:6–8).
• The law itself pointed toward God’s holiness and called people to reflect His character. For example, Leviticus 19 connects worship with ethical living, commanding honesty, compassion for the poor and love for one’s neighbor. Psalm 51:16–17 shows that God delights more in a humble and repentant heart than in burnt offerings.
• The Old Testament also highlights care for the vulnerable as an essential expression of true devotion. God commanded His people to protect widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 24:17–22), showing that genuine worship produces tangible acts of love and justice.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament reveals that true religion is fulfilled in Christ. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:29–31). This summarizes the Law and the Prophets, making love the core of authentic faith.
• James said, “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” (James 1:27). This reflects the same Old Testament themes of mercy and holiness, but now made possible in the believer through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
• True religion in the New Testament never means earning salvation. Paul teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8–9), but that believers are created in Christ for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus condemned religious hypocrisy, that is, the outward appearances of devotion without inner transformation (Matthew 23:25–28).
• This, then, is a key difference between other religions and true religion. Others focus on what one does in order to be saved. It’s purely external works. However, the New Testament focuses on Jesus, the One who did what was necessary for those who place their faith in Him to be saved. Faith in Christ saves us unto good works because of our heart change (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• The New Testament church lived out true religion by worshiping God, caring for one another, proclaiming the gospel, and living holy lives (Acts 2:42–47; 1 Peter 1:15–16). In every case, the focus is on a true relationship with God that overflows in love, holiness, and service.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

True religion calls you to examine whether your faith is merely outward or genuinely rooted in a relationship with God through Christ. It is possible to attend church, give generously, and even be called a Christian without truly knowing Him. Indeed, Jesus warned that many will claim to be His and yet be sent to Hell because they lacked genuine faith (Matthew 7:21–23).

If you belong to Christ, true religion will be evident in your life. You will grow in love for God, obedience to His Word, compassion for the vulnerable, and purity in your conduct. You will do this not to try earning His favor, but in gratitude for His grace. The Spirit transforms the heart of true believers so that worship, service, and holiness all happen naturally (albeit sometimes slowly).

The world is full with religious options, but the Bible calls you to hold fast to the truth revealed in Jesus. He is not a way to God but the way. Every other religion only offers you eternal death because God will judge you based on your relationship to Him through Jesus. True religion is not just belief in something; it is specifically a biblically-grounded faith in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that flows out of you in a desire to obey and worship God.

UNDERSTAND

• True religion is based on love for God, not mere ritual.
• Genuine belief leads to a changed life that manifests behavior glorifying to God.
• The indwelling Holy Spirit sanctifies believers unto good works.

REFLECT

• How do you ensure that your spiritual disciplines don’t become rote rituals?
• How are the fruits of the Spirit manifested in your life?
• How does your relationship with others reflect true worship?

ENGAGE

• What are some ways to reach those who believe ritual secures their salvation?
• How might the Christian emphasis on true worship be highlighted in our interactions with others?
• What are some ways that Christians show true religion through the love of Christ to those around us?