Beware Of False Religion

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Sometimes the discussion of religion can spark disagreement or dissatisfaction. As a result, people throw religion in the bucket with politics. That bucket consists of topics off-limits to talk about in certain circles. At the heart of the assumption is that some religions are fake. This perspective does have merit, and the reason behind it is because there are indeed false religions in the world. These artificial religious expressions have directly and indirectly produced skepticism. After John recorded the extent of the seven bowl judgments, the Spirit had him look back on how the devil duped the world through a false religion. Revelation 17:1-2 says;

"Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, 'Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.' "

In the Bible, a prostitute or a harlot is a common metaphor used to describe false religion. Here in Revelation, that illustration carries over. The great prostitute mentioned in Chapter 17 is the false religion of the antichrist. Like a harlot, the antichrist's false religion will seduce people and ultimately deceive them into idolatry, spiritual defection, religious apostasy. The strong language used in verse two explains the unholy intimacy that the false religion will cast upon the world's most powerful rulers.

While we do not have to worry about the antichrist's plots in the Tribulation, we do have to be vigilant for the schemes of false religion in our lifetime. The best way to remain focused is by truly understanding what precisely sincere religion is and that it is necessary for a person's life. James 1:27 says;

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."

Thus true religion is about right living, not rituals. It is honorable conduct that follows from the character of Christ. Orphans and widows represent some of the neediest people in the society of any generation. To care for the "least of these" serves as faith and religion that is alive. Therefore, beware of the trappings of false religion, which promotes living in the opposite of this description.