p. 60 | RELIGION by R. F. C.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 10, 1860

RELIGION.

By R. F. C.

There seems to be an idea abroad that if a person has "got religion" all is well. But there is a vast difference between religion, and true religion. The true is much more valuable than the false. Mankind are so constituted that it is natural enough for them to have some kind of religion; but if it is false, it is worse than none at all. The Lord says his people have committed two evils. 1. They have forsaken him, the true God; and 2. They have substituted something else in the place of true obedience to him. See Jer. ii, 13. It is better to shun this second evil, than to be guilty of both. Hence, no religion is better than a false one.

Cain had religion; but it was not of a right kind—it did not lead him to a scrupulous obedience to God. He chose his own way, and probably thought that it would do just as well. But Abel's religion consisted in doing as the Lord had commanded. And as the approbation of God evidently rested upon him, Cain was exasperated. Abel's obedience condemned his disobedience. He was still unwilling to give up his false religion and embrace the true; and doubtless he was piqued at Abel for setting himself up as the only one in the world that was right. There was one argument still that might be used, and that is what might be called the knock-down argument. He that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit. All know the sequel. Cain had religion, but it was not of the right kind.

The worshipers of Baal were very zealous in their religion, and would have put to death all the prophets of the Lord, if they could. It was their religion that did this.

The scribes and Pharisees had an abundance of religion, and it crucified the Lord of life and glory.

Pagan Rome had religion, and the Papacy too; and the effect was the martyrdom of the saints of God. Multitudes of those that chose to obey God, and could not be persuaded that the opposing religion was just as good, if only lived out faithfully, fell the victims of false religion.

Hence, the question is not whether people have religion, but whether they have the right kind. True religion will cause men to deal justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. Obedience to God is to be placed above every other consideration. No extra faithfulness in a false religion can make amends for lack of this. That worship is vain which is of our own choosing. "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt. xv, 9. We may think to worship the true God; and yet if we do not follow his word, all will be vain, and worse than useless.

Infidels tell of how much evil religion has done in the world, how much bloodshed it has caused. Religion has done it; but not the true. It is the religion of infidels, pagans, and worst of all, hypocrites, professing the true religion. And these will make one more grand attempt to overthrow the religion of the Bible, but will be signally defeated.

R. F. C.