THE ROLE OF RELIGION!
The word "religion" does not even appear in the Old Testament of the King James Version! It is clear, however, from the New Testament usage of the word, that Israel's distorted view of Judaism, was their religion. In addition, Gentiles created their own religions:
THE DISTORTED JEWISH VIEW OF JUDAISM:
Acts 13:43 - Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
Acts 26:4-5 - My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; who knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest (strictest) sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Galatians 1:13-14 - For you have heard of my conversation (way of life) in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Galatians 3:22-25 - But the Scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
THE FALSE RELIGION OF THE GENTILES:
Romans 1:18-25 - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has shown it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, Who is blessed for ever. Amen.
GOD OFFERS HUMANITY A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP:
John 1:11-12; 3:5-7 - He (Jesus) came unto His own (Israel), and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons (children) of God, even to those who believe on His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. - - - Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water (physical birth) and of the Spirit (spiritual birth), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.
Romans 8:14-16 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons (children) of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
Galatians 1:4-6 - But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons (children). And because you are sons (children), God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Ephesians 1:3-6 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
GOD'S OFFER STILL STANDS:
Romans 10:9-13 (my version) - If you shall confess with your mouth (faith in) the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes (and is declared by God to be) righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Gentile): for the same Lord over all is rich (in mercy and grace) unto all who call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
1 John 3:1-2 - Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons (children) of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
PRAISE GOD FOR OFFERING HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,
THAT ALL WHO BELIEVE HE DIED FOR THEIR SIN,
WILL BE ADOPTED INTO THE FAMILY OF ALMIGHTY GOD!
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