Biblically speaking, is “religion” equal to “self-righteousness” or “legalism”? According to verse 26, there CAN be such a thing as worthless religion, but as verse 27 points out, this is not necessarily so.”

This is why the statement “Christianity is not a religion” is NOT helpful from a biblical standpoint.

Wouldn’t the post be more “biblical” to compare Pure religion with vain religion, James does.

Vain religion says, if I obey, God will love me. Jesus says, (John 14:15) “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” RSV Pure religion says, because I love Him I will obey. True it is that the Gospel says that we love Him because He first loved us.

Vain religion has bad people. Pure religion has good people. Jesus said, “(Matt 13:47-50) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; 48 when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous, 50 and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.”RSV

The Gospel tells us that anyone can repent because of the Good news of Jesus. He said, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Pure religion values a birth family (visit the fatherless and widows). Vain religion devalues life. The Gospel tells us (2 Tim 1:10) “..our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” RSV

Pure religion does what one can do and must do (seek ye first the Kingdom of God), but as you said depends on God. Vain religion depends one’s self and does what one wants. The Gospel is what Jesus has done. Even more the Gospel is Jesus.

Pure religion cries, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” Vain religion says, “God, I thank thee that I am not like other men.” Jesus said, (Luke 18:14) “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” RSV

Vain religion has the goal to get from God. Pure religion has the goal to get God.

Vain religion sees hardships as useless hardship to be endured. Pure religion sees hardship as sanctifying affliction.

Vain religion is about me. Pure religion is about Jesus.

Vain religion is concerned with appearances. Pure religion believes that being honest is the key.

Vain religion has an uncertainty of standing before God. Pure religion has certainty based upon Jesus’ work.

Pure religion sees Jesus as the means and the end. Vain religion sees any means to the end.

Vain religion ends in pride or despair. Pure religion is humble joy.

What do you think?
David