How Does Biblical Religion Differ?

The expression "Biblical religion" is used often in this column; however, its meaning may not be clear to all. What is Biblical religion, how does it differ from non-biblical religion, is all Christianity biblical—these are questions we will endeavor to touch upon in this article.

First, Biblical religion is that form of religion that is based upon the Bible. That is obvious-- we are talking about religion that is taken from the Bible. Sadly, however, not all that has been historically linked to the Bible has remained intelligently and purposely faithful to the Bible. Far too often the substance of modern Christianity, which historically has been Biblical in its doctrine and practice, is far removed from what the Bible actually teaches. Various statements and ideas from the Bible may have been preserved but the whole system of Bible doctrine has given way to various compromises and reconfigurations.

This loss is evident from what many "Christians" say about central Biblical truths. For instance, it is a common assumption that Christ taught unconditional love and acceptance, but His followers added to that teaching various discriminating thoughts and ideas of Divine punishment. The truth is quite different. Christ did indeed declare God's love and mercy toward undeserving violators of His law. Yet, Christ also taught that the love and mercy of God are experienced as the lawless repent of their law breaking (sins) and entrust themselves to Him, patterning their lives after Him and His word by faith. Those people who refuse to repent and believe, Christ taught, will die in their sins and face the judgment of God. Christ actually said more about the wrath of God than about Heaven. But, that is not the perception communicated in many "Christian" churches. This is just one crucial example of departure from the Bible on the part of professing Christendom. There are many others.

Why is this so important? Why are non-biblical "Christianity" and all other religions not rooted in the Bible alike untrustworthy? Basically the answer has to do with God and how humans know God. The creation and conscience alike testify to the existence of one true God. But, how do we know who this God is, what He is like, and what pleases Him? The only way such things can be known is for God Himself to reveal them. No one ascends up to Heaven to bring God down. God must come down to man. He was under no moral constraint to reveal Himself beyond what He inscribed in natural creation, which man has known and rejected. However, in great mercy God has made a systematic, well-reasoned and reasonable revelation of Himself to us in the Bible. Without such revelation all religion is guesswork and superstition. The Bible gives us certain knowledge. The Bible must be studied reverently and carefully, like any other document. Understanding the Bible is not the casual, effortless matter that many suppose. Yet, it is reckless and irresponsible to have the Word of God and ignore it or to handle it selectively, keeping what fits our preconceived thoughts and discarding that which does not. It is also worthless to speak of God or in God's behalf without His self-revelation.

Are you a part of Biblical religion? Are your thoughts of God His thoughts, your own imagination or the imagination of others? Are your thoughts about death and eternity taken from the Word of God or from baseless speculation, tradition, and superstition? You have access to the Bible, it is your responsibility to know it and attach yourself to that religion which most closely follows the Bible in doctrine and practice.