Escaping the Bonds of Religion
By Arthur J Licursi
I define religion as any system of belief system that requires man’s effort to please and serve God, out of their own resources, by their assumed self-abilities. By comparison, true Christianity is not a religion of man’s doing at all. Rather, it is a living relationship with God, whereby God is the do’er, to save man and then affect man by Christ's empowering life in man. It is God working in man, and through man, both to will and to do of God’s good pleasure (Philip 2:13). God is the lover of man and giver of His own life to man (John 3:16, Col 3:4). God’s life comes to man, in Christ, as the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:2a), received by grace, through faith in the working of God. His life may be received (Jn 1:12) and made effective in our life only by a trusting faith (Eph 2:8-9). Such trusting faith is effective regardless of our past, present condition, or our abilities. A man is thereby equipped to live the Christian life by the very life and power of Christ within him, in his human spirit (1Cor 6:17, Jn 3:6, Zech 12:1).
Christians must learn to “trust” to the extent of yielding (Rom 6:19) to the new normalcy that each of us has by the inward, spontaneous sense, that either prompts or restrains us, which is from the indwelling life and nature that is of Christ. We must stop our independent work by self-effort for God, to now rely upon Him, to co-operate with Him who is now our life (Col 3:4, Gal 2:20) – Christ is the Christian within us.
Conversely, religion tells us that we must make our Christian life work properly, to please God, so after salvation, they usually put us to work to fix ourselves, telling we should be like Jesus, implying we can do it if we try, we can be “like” Him. Religion, with its reliance upon self-effort, is diametrically opposite of true Christianity, that is based upon the believer’s utter dependence upon Christ’s life within.
Religion is based on false religious concepts, usually built upon misinterpretation of scripture. Much of that misinterpretation is based upon ignoring the Apostle assigned by God to the Gentiles, Paul, and “gospel of the grace of God” versus “works of the law”. Paul admonishes believers to be of those who are “rightly dividing the word (scripture) of truth” 2Tim 2:15 – works vs. grace (Rom 5:4, 11:6). Paul’s gospel is the grace of God at work within the believer. “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” Col. 1:27
Neo-Evangelicalism
Humanism prevails in secular society today; it’s the thought that man can make his life work by his own effort. This has led us into a godless society in America and the modern world. It is this similar subtlety that makes the new evangelicalism (neo-evangelicalism) to be a sort of humanism. It is the humanistic instruction of religion that takes us away from trusting God’s ongoing work in and through us. The neo-evangelicalism we see today is a sort of humanism; it presumes that you, of yourself, can make your Christian life work for you; it’s you who must do the works of God for God’s, on His behalf. They say, “You must pray enough, have faith enough, and work enough to please God or God then will not bless you.” This rejects God’s ongoing grace and work in our life by the provision of Christ’s life, enjoyed by grace through ongoing faith. Gal. 5:4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Religion says; “You can be spiritual and holy if you work hard, go to enough Christian seminars, fast, pray, and keep the promises you make to God”. The mantra falsely promoted today is “What would Jesus do?” as though we can of our self, imitate Jesus. There is no need to imitate or copy Jesus, since we now have the resurrected Christ indwelling us all the time, leading and empowering us to live … as He wills. Self-effort to make yourself holy will never work - it is only by trusting and relying upon “Christ in you”, to work in and through you, that we have the hope for becoming the glorious expression of Christ’s life. Thus, we simply must co-operate by trusting Him in us. Jesus said the believer’s burden should not be heavy. Paul tell the Hebrews the object is to come to a rest – a true Sabbath rest, one that is not outward, but rather found in relying upon Him who is in our spirit. “he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” Heb 4:10 The way of the Christian is the way of rest, which only comes from trusting the hand and work of God in you, propelled by the circumstances of your life. To trust God is to receive the love and grace of God at work in your life.
Man’s Nature Is Always Derivative of an Indwelling Spirit
Religion encourages you to change yourself, your “human nature”. But there is no such thing as human nature. The fact is that man is always derivative and dependent upon the prevailing spirit nature within to gives him a nature. Before we were regenerated by the resurrected Spirit of life in Christ Jesus we were dominated by the nature of the “spirit of error” (1John 4:6), which is the sin spirit that is at work in all mankind, making them the "children of disobedience” (Eph 2:2). But now, as Christians, we have Christ’s life within us, with the power of His overcoming life and nature (2Pet 1:4), as our new life and nature. Thus, while we were by nature “children of wrath” (Eph 2:3), by the fallen Sin nature, we now are “children of God” (Gal 3:26) by Christ’s life and nature in us. 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Man is always derivative and dependent upon a spirit nature within, to prompt and guide him – either the Christ’ Spirit (Rom 8:2) for good, the fallen sin spirit for evil, but never as an independent nature.
Historical Examples
We must admit that religion’s systems are often rooted in the prideful self-seeking desire of men to usurp control of the members of Christ’s invisible “church, which is His body” (Eph 1:22b, 23a). These systems are often based, not upon God’s pure grace gospel, but rather upon the Old Testament admonitions of God to His people Israel, under the terms of the LAW, along with denominational dogma. Scripture records similar motives and abuses among Israel in the days of Jeremiah saying, Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end? Jesus also spoke of man’s self-assuming authority in practicing religion of His day, saying in Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. The Apostle Paul tells us of religious leaders that harassed and burdened the early Pauline churches, saying of them that they “teach for doctrine the commandments of men” (Titus 1:14).
There is no doubt that many are “saved” into such religious organizations of men. Yet, suffering at the hands of religion is useful as it propels the truly seeking ones out of the hierarchical, mediatorial, religious systems, such as we see it practiced in many Christian churches and groups today – and that is good. Such believers will ultimately make a transition from religion to the new paradigm of the pure grace of God (Rom 11:6) in order to have the opportunity to “learn Christ” (Eph 4:20) personally, that is to come to know intimately the Christ who indwells their spirit as their very life, as their all. A transition to pure grace is necessary since grace provides the fertile soil in which there can be growth in ones intimacy with the Lord. Growth is always limited while under the domination of religion’s mediators, who mislead the saints.
Sadly, much of modern day, neo-evangelical Christianity holds to such practices, thereby depriving the child of God of the, loving, grace relationship with their Father, which may only enjoyed by coming to know and trust the indwelling Christ personally and intimately. Those who would go on to enjoy the life and liberty that is rightfully theirs “in Christ” require a separation from the usurpation and dominion of religion. Paul tells us that our life is not wrapped up in the practices of man’s religious concepts but rather in their union with Christ as life. Paul says, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God... Christ, who is your life,” Col. 3:3-4a For Paul the core issue is a matter of Christ’s life within the spirit of every believer (Rom 8:8-10), to be their life, sustenance, and the inner guide of all their activity.
From the Fold to the Flock
The transition that I note may be seen in the metaphor of Jesus words seen here in John 10:9-16.
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. …13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine…. 16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold (flock), and one shepherd.”
I realize these words were spoken by Jesus to the nation of Israel. We may consider them as they may apply to God’s heart desire that all men come out of religion’s bonds to enjoy and appropriate all that God has provided in the giving of His dear Son Jesus, not only for us, but also to us as our new life.
In order to interpret this section of Scripture we need to note that the above account follows the John 9, which we see the man born blind and being healed, made to see, by Christ’s healing touch. Note that subsequently then being “cast out” by religion (John 9:34). It is plain that religion cares not for the members, but for their control. I cannot hold those who now see. John 10 concerns the sheepfold; with some of the sheep who “hear” the Shepherds voice to follow Him out of the sheep fold, to become a … “flock”. A sheep fold was a holding pen, a place to keep sheep safe until their rightly owner (Jesus) came to claim them and take them to His self. I view religion’s denominations and groups that restrain and dominate the sheep, keeping them secure, bound in the fold. Many will hear the call of the Lord in their hearts and follow Him out of the fold that they may learn Christ as they follow Him alone as the Shepherd of the sheep. Unlike the fold, where sheep were fed the very meager food of dried grasses and grains, the flock, now follow the Shepard who gave His life for the sheep (Hon 10:11); they grazing upon living pastures, by the living waters, under the guidance and care of The Shepherd.
Life “In Christ” Vs. Living Under Religion’s Bonds
Christ Himself is versus religion. If your religious concept is dependent upon man’s ability to try to make it work successfully, then it is not dependent upon Christ. Religion’s dogma is often based upon following dead precepts from the past – called tradition. Jesus Himself spoke against Israel’s tradition, saying, Matthew 15:6b…Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
God has always looked upon the hearts and not the failings of sincere men who desire to know and walk with the Him. Just look at a great men who sinned or failed God and yet it is said they “walked with God”, being men of faith – Abraham, Moses, David, etc. None can deny their love for the Lord and yet they sinned and; God did not cast them away. Rather they became the patriarchs of Israel. Of King David it is said in Scripture, the Lord Himself will one day occupy David’s kingly throne during the Messianic kingdom on earth. God has always looked up the hearts of men, while man looks upon the outward appearance. Jesus said he would prefer that His people would receive “mercy and not sacrifice” (Matt 9:13) from their “leaders”.
Again, Christ and life lived in Christ is diametrically opposed to the operation of religion. Genuine Christianity is found only in an intimate union with the indwelling Christ, while religion promotes outward conformance. Religion is mostly base upon observable and measurable outer works of men “to be seen of men” (Mat 23:5). Paul says, of many so the called religious leaders of his day that they desire to make a “fair show of your flesh,” (Gal 6:12). Today we see the same, leaders more concerned with your church attendance so they may count how many come to “their church”. They care not for the sheep’s needs of love and grace (John 10:9). This is so they can be considered successful.
They require that the people “look right” in what they do – how you dress, speak and do. As fruit inspectors, they measure the Christian by his outer, so-called, fruit. Religion is “man’s futile efforts to have favor with, and serve God by his own self-effort, including the keeping of religious precepts” (the authors clarified definition). Concerning David, the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 Sadly, many Christians stand condemned by the laws and rules spoken or implied by religion falsely as being of God. Yet we know this truth. Romans 6:14b ye are not under the law, but under grace.
The Transition from Outer Conformance to the Inward Leading of Christ
The transition needed is not to yet another denomination, but rather from the hierarchical and mediatorial religious systems of men, to a walk of living by the indwelling life of Christ. This requires an unlearning of religion’s precepts. As with the sheep of John 10, there is a door through which we must pass if we are to escape the fold of religion’s bonds. Then we may come to a living relationship of with Him as our “Lord” (kurious, controller).
There is an “unlearning” that follows as we come to enjoy our liberation from religion’s bonds. We will come to realize these understandings below. They permit us to have an inward relationship with the Lord.
1. We no longer live under condemnation. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We have a loving Father who may correct us, but not condemn us.
2. We no longer heed voices outside of us, unless they are confirmed within by the indwelling Spirit.
3. That inward leading will not contradict the Scripture for our dispensation of the grace of God.
4. We are no to be measured by what we do.
5. We no longer live by written Laws, outer rules, or precepts – we are under grace and “walk” according to the rule and guidance of Him who is peace in spirit.
6. We view “all things working for the good” (Rom 8:28-29), including negative circumstances.
7. Expect the soulical ties of relationships with groups and people that are not good for us may be broken by the Lord.
Voices & Guidance Sourced Outside of Us
If we are to make the passage to liberty, we must abandon all outer voices to guide us. The indwelling Christ is our life-guide, our instructor. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine…. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold (poimne, means “flock”), and one shepherd.” Col. 3:15a And let the peace (Christ) of God rule in your hearts…
Religion tells us we should heed the outer instruction from doctrine, Pastors, elders, misinterpreted Scripture, etc. These outer sources are versus the inner, spontaneous, intimate leading of Christ that all Christians have by the inner sense of His life. Jesus said all His sheep hear his voice. (The Father may at times use the outer voices of other people and preaching to speak to us, but it is always to be weighed against our sense within as our final arbiter.) The greatest outward word is the Scripture that is “rightly divided” (2Tim 2:15). Yet, we need to apply only Scripture that applies to our “dispensation of the grace of God” (Eph 3:7), as taught by the Apostle Paul. Ex., Taking elements of the Law dispensation and applying them to ourselves would be like reading Israel’s mail. The law and covenant mail belongs to Israel – not the “the church which is His body”. Rather, Paul repeatedly pointed the saints to their spirit (Gal 5:16, 25) as the way to “walk in”, or walk under the influence of, “the spirit” of life.
Doing Vs. Receiving
Escaping religion’s bonds also requires a tremendous deliverance, which is based upon merit, measured by what we have done or will do and won’t do – the do’s and don’ts of religion. Religion requires us to perform to standards (usually manmade or man interpreted standards). We’ve all lived under merit until we come to grace of God. Even our own parents told most of us we had to merit, saying, “If you are good, you will get this; but if you are bad, you will get that”. Most of us have only known this “merit system” in our families, religion and relationships. No wonder most have difficulty receiving “God’s free gift of grace” – Christ as our life. You cannot merit God’s favor. He will be a debtor to no man. Sadly, this worldly way has become the way of religion, the way of the vast majority of the neo-evangelical Christian “church”. Most of Christianity promotes the same standard as the world taught us, do good and don’t do bad – but they call it Christianity. I’m counted as a Christian because of my trusting faith by which I received Christ, not because of what I did or do. Atheists can do good things but that does not make them a Christian. Much of Christianity practices bait and switch; advertising grace to be saved, but then switching, saying or implying that now you must do this and perform in such and such a way to really please God, or even to be kept saved. True Christianity is not based upon anything that you do, except to receive Him whom God has sent. We have only one work. Jn 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe (trust in) on him whom he hath sent.
Church practices of works-based religion stand in stark contrast to the way of God our Father, as expressed in the gospel of grace operating through faith, which was revealed to and taught by Paul the Apostle. Know that Paul is our Apostle and that men will be judged by Paul’s gospel of grace (Rom 1:16, 16:25). Paul says, 1 Cor. 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
God’s way is for His children to receive His life and grace, found only in Christ, as their all. Christ is God’s complete life (Col 2:9-10) and grace to us (2Tim 4:22). He births us to a new and complete life and that life is the Christ’s very own life. The only and complete blessing of God is that of His only begotten Son, come to dwell in us, making us also the literal sons of God. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”, John 1:12
The Negative Works for the Good
The tenets of religion, as preached by many of its hirelings, spoken or implied, or as suggestions, are tenets that ultimately come to bind and stifle the genuine birthed child of God as he attempts to go on to walk in union with Christ. Paul viewed “all things” in the Christian’s life as being ordained by God and therefore good for us. The impotence of lifeless religious law and the legalistic instruction found in the fold are used of God to provide contrast. They push us to find reality and God’s grace that is in Christ. Thankfully, in John 10 we see that Christ not only is the Good Shepherd, but also he is the door into and out of the fold, ultimately leading His seeking sheep to green pasture in Christ Himself.
There likely was a time in your life, as there is for millions of believers, when your Heavenly Father saved you and permitted you into the care of a schoolmaster (law), held within a fold. As Galatians 3:24-25 states, this schoolmaster is law religion; but Paul writes, “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 dryness and devastation for many in the folds of law-keeping religion is only good in that it will keep them searching for the food and drink that satisfies (Christ as water and bread). Our God-given Hunger pushes us to an experiential knowledge of the life and grace that is in Christ. Christ frees us from the schoolmaster of law religion, once we come to enjoy Him alone by faith. All who truly seek to know Him will ultimately escape from the bonds of religion.
Soulical Ties Broken By God
Many are bound by what I call “soulical ties” to their old church, group or the individuals within them; it may to someone who led us to Christ, or through whom you learned about Christ; but now you many have outgrown them; you may realize that they want to rule you, possess you and bind you to religion by such ties. Some of us will walk away while others are expelled, as the bind man who could now see, but sadly most will remain in the bonds of law religion. A few may stay in the “fold” of religion for a time, as the Shepherd may allow them, but they are no longer internally bound by it any longer. Many will be pushed out, shunned or asked to leave the “fold” as my wife and I have been multiple times in our 38 year journey in coming to know Christ. You must know that it is God who is working in these episodes of life “for the good” of His children, just as the mother eagle removes the soft feathers from the prickly nest, making it uncomfortable when it is time for her eaglets to fly away on their own.
Verse 16 speaks explicitly of only “one shepherd”, who gives his life for the sheep, but the hirelings today often think they are His “under shepherds”, free to usurp authority over God’s Children. They may claim concern for you, saying “you may go astray”. They actually want to keep you in the fold, under their control. Thus those who leave or are expelled likely will be branded as ones “caught with a spirit of error” or one who is “rebellious and unteachable”.
Note that this was also the fate of the blind man. John 9:34-35 They (the religious Pharisees) answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. Now note who it was who was their when he was cast out – Jesus alone. 35Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on (trust in) the Son of God?
Many think they were cast out by religion but actually it was the hand of the Lord leading them out, to be His alone. What a blessing to ultimately be delivered from religion’s bonds. Your Father intends that you ultimately find Christ as your life (Col 3:4, Gal 2:20). God your Father purchased for you a new life outside of the “fold”, where Christ alone is your One Shepherd. He also is the pasture source within your spirit, the safe and personal place of union we have with Christ (1Cor 6:17); He now is your all. <END>
