We are “incurably religious”.
In all cultures there are hundreds of attempts to satisfy our desire to find peace with God. Our search in the various religions of the world focuses on the sun, the moon and the stars; on the earth, fire and water, on statues of wood, stone, and metal, on fish, birds and other animals. People worship countless gods and spirits. Even in our seemingly enlightened world, money and romance, for example, quickly become idols. But when I look, there is no one; among these gods there is no counselor who, when I ask, gives an answer. Behold, they are all a delusion; their works are nothing; their metal images are empty wind. (Isaiah 41,28-29)
Religiosity can’t blot out sin.
Religious communities have the aim of helping people to get right with God. But where they demand our own efforts for our salvation, this is always in vain. This is so, because our best religiosity is imperfect and insufficient before God. God demands perfection. Through human and religious efforts or experiences like baptism, communion, confirmation, visiting church services, prayers, acts requiring energy and time, reading the Bible or anything else, will not a single sin will be blotted out.
Good deeds can‘t make up for bad ones.
If you want to find peace with God, you need trust in Jesus’ offer. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Religiosity cannot change the nature of Man.
Our behavior is not the actual problem, it is only a symptom. If we go to church or attend other religious events, we may feel good. However, that doesn’t change our essential state of being. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? There is not one. (Job 14:4)
Excellent - but not enough.
Visiting a church service or reading the Bible isn‘t wrong. It is good to go to church, to read the Bible and to pray. God has even told us to do so. But nevertheless, we won’t become Christians through these efforts.
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