Rules, Relationship, and a Religion.

One common Christian bumper-sticker expression says: "It's not about religion, it's about a relationship with God." Also, another popularized phrase printed on shirts states: "Jesus > Religion." I recognize the understanding in which those expressions came forth. I think they are good. I do think that followers of Christ are called Christians because they are in a loving relationship with God. The relationship is the means through which believers are continuously conformed into the image of Christ. The platform of the movements was basically to discard the notion of Christianity being about heartless and empty rituals trying to reach God. It is biblical to reject any worship that comes from stiff-necked and calloused hearts. The Old and New Testament teaches directly against callous commitment to the Lord of heaven and earth (Is. 29:13 & Matt. 15). So, it is completely reasonable even more, agreeable, that these common expressions want to stress the relational significance of Christianity. The next concern is about the individualistic attachments those expressions might have. Yes, God does call individuals into a personal relationship with him, but it is always in the midst of a community. It is in community that the salvation relationship is worked out. Therefore our personal relationship with God includes our relationship with others in the community. 1 John 4:21 declares, "The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also."


But that is not all that I am getting at here.


There is also the expression that Christianity is not about rules, but about a relationship. Again, this phrase is expressing the idea that being a Christian is not a detached ritualistic endeavor of attempting to walk in a straight line. Also agreeable, since at the core of the good news is the truth that without God's mercy, grace, and love alone, we will all be doomed! But also, that statement though understandable, neglects that there are rules to a relationship. Relationships demand communication, it requires love and faithfulness. For the believer, a relationship with God requires keeping with his commands in obedience. Rules is not the beginning point of a relationship, love is. For the believer, rules primarily displays that God is interested in the details of our lives. It demonstrates that God is passionate about where our affections goes to. He is interested in what we worship. God deeply cares and loves those who seek him! Rules then is somewhat of a good thing.

Maybe we shouldn't be looking out to "bumper-stickerize" Christianity. I think we elevate an aspect or a specific doctrine of the faith when we claim the Christian faith to be encompassed in a simple phrase. It is not that it is wrong, it's because it is incomplete.

But again, that is not all that I am getting at here.


Christianity is a religion. We have neglected the idea of it for a while to make the faith seem not to be like other religions. I am aware of the understanding of religion as man trying to reach God. The Old and New Testament proclaim that God reaches down and engages with his creation to reveal his will and plan. We have received the highest form of his revelation in Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Perhaps what all the bumper stickers were trying to get away from is the heartless, man trying to get to God religion. That is not true religion. Jonathan Edwards writes in his Religious Affections, "God in his word greatly insists that we be in good earnest, fervent in spirit, and that our hearts be engaged vigorously in our religion." He goes on to write, "If we are not earnest in our religion, and if our wills and inclinations are not strongly exercised, we are nothing. The importance of religion is so great that no halfhearted exercise will suffice." True religion springs forth from the heart of flesh and new spirit that God gives to his children. In that true religion, the Spirit of God empowers us to live a life of love that extends to others in the community. Our hearts become moved to worship God, communicating with him, and offering him all our adoration and praise. True religion stems from various affections displayed in numerous stories in the Bible. According to Edwards, true religion is placed in the affections of holy fear, hope in God and his promises, love, holy desire, joy, religious sorrow, gratitude, compassion, and zeal. According to James, the brother of Jesus, "Religion that God, our father accepts as pure and faultless is to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27)

The main point I am trying to get across is that God calling individuals to himself is a demonstration of love since all human hearts are restless till they find rest in God. Therefore worshiping God becomes an affection that God provides, and then enables believers to continue to live in a loving relationship with him and with others. True Christian religion realizes the grace of God that washes clean even the worst of sinners. And me, one of sinners, humbly receive the heart of flesh and the new spirit He gives freely and offer my whole heart to Him in worship!

Kingsley