The meaning of religion and its beginning must interest
every person. Since the ancient times religion has been
practiced by men in many form. We are aware of the existence of so many
religions of the world—all referring to God or a supreme being or beings—but with conflicting and irreconcilable doctrines and beliefs.
18A.1
What is the meaning of religion according to the dictionary?
From the Webster International Dictionary gives
these information, on page 1918:
"Religion - - prob.
fr. religare, to tie back
The personal commitment and
serving of God or a god with worshipful devotion, conduct in
accord with divine commands especially as found in accepted sacred
writings or declared by authoritative teachers, a way of life
recognized as incumbent on true believers, and typically the
relating of oneself to an organized body of believers."
That is the meaning of religion given by man:
serving of God,
conduct in accordance with divine commands especially as found in accepted
sacred writings.
18A.2 What is the meaning of religion
according to the Bible?
In Deuteronomy 10:12 it is stated::
"And now Israel, what does the lord
your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in
all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with
all your heart and with all your soul," (NKJV)
That is how the Bible presents the meaning of religion.
-
Fear
the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to
love Him.
-
To serve the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul.
18A.3 How should
man properly serve
God with all his heart and with all his soul?
In Deuteronomy 10:13 it is also stated:
"And to keep the commandments of the
Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your
good." (NKJV)
God is properly served if his commandments and statutes are
properly kept and observed. This for the good of man.
_______________
Religion according to the scriptures is to serve
God with all your heart and with all your soul
and that is by properly keeping and observing
His
commandments and statutes.
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