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CHAPTER 1 — Why Religion?
The book of Wisdom tells us:
“But all men are vain, in whom there is not the knowledge of God: and who by these good things that are seen, could not understand him that is, neither by attending to the works have acknowledged who was the workman:” Wisdom 13:1
The wise man is then described in Paul’s letter to the Romans when he wrote:
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” Romans 1:20
Common sense tells us that something had to create or cause this great universe in which we live. It had to start at some point either in time or before time began, but it had to originate from something or someone. It could not have simply appeared on it’s own one morning, it had to be started.
The book of Genesis tells us:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2
The important thing to see here is that God created, as is also well shown from verse three onwards. Therefore there is a Creator.
If there is a Creator, then there must be a reason for creation. Who would create or make anything without a reason? Who would create or make anything for which there is no purpose? There is a reason or purpose or use for everything that we make or create, therefore there must be a purpose for this universe to exist. If there is a purpose for this universe to exist then there is a purpose for everything that is in this universe, including humanity.
The Book of Proverbs tells us:
“The LORD has made all for Himself,” Proverbs 16:4
We now know that there is a purpose to our existence, we are to fulfill the purpose of God. Saint Paul in his letter to the Hebrews identifies this purpose, this mission, when he tells us:
“For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.” Hebrews 13:14
This world is not our home, it is but a stepping stone to something else and this something else is our everlasting home in heaven. If we fulfill our purpose here, we are rewarded in heaven. Logically then, there must be a punishment for those that do not fulfill their purpose in this world.
How do we fulfill our purpose for which we were created? By living the Christian faith. Which in turn is accomplished through the practice of religion.
Perhaps at this point we should define religion. Simply put, religion is a way of living or a way of life. It is a manner in which we choose to live our lives, and through religion we fulfill our purpose in this world.
Jesus the Christ tells us:
“More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:28
Meaning that what is expected out of us in this life is found in the Word of God.
The Word of God is also called The Holy Writ, the Holy Bible, the Holy Scriptures, etc. There are many different names for this great book which is the inspired word of God written by authors who were inspired by the Spirit of God.
“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” Proverbs 30:5
Not only is every word of God tested and true but he will protect those that take refuge in him, that is those that fulfill his will and seek his protection.
Now, how does God expect us to fill his purpose for us? How does he expect us to serve him? Jesus told us:
“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21
Those who love God will naturally obey him. Now comes the eternal question as asked by the Ethiopian eunuch:
“How can I (know), unless someone guides me?” Acts 8:31
There is someone who can instruct those who wish to know. They were commissioned by Jesus to do so. Jesus told the apostles, founding fathers of the church:
.... “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Who will instruct you? The Church will instruct you.
Christ established his Church on earth so through it he could and would be with his people forever, even to the end of the world. This Church has the responsibility among others to instruct the people of God.
What happens if we do not want to fulfill our mission to love and serve God? Jesus was very specific on this point when he said:
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26
Yes we are warned very specifically that unless we follow the precepts as set forth by Jesus the Christ we will lose eternal life, even if we should gain or conquer the whole world.
We must also publicly acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, for he tells us:
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33
Our eternal reward rests on the fact that we will love, serve, and openly acknowledge Jesus. This is the purpose of Christianity, to teach the teaching that Jesus taught us, to love, serve and obey Jesus the Son of God in this world so as to be happy with him in the next world.
So why religion? Religion is the way to eternal life. |
