From a biblical perspective, religion is worship. It refers to the act of serving and honoring God. In the Scriptures, the Greek word translated as “religion” is threskeia, which means worship, service, or ceremonial devotion. The Bible does not only speak about religion in general; it clearly distinguishes between true religion and false or vain religion.
In James 1:26, the Bible states: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” This verse teaches that simply claiming to be religious is not enough. A person who speaks carelessly, spreads hatred, or uses harmful words while claiming to serve God practices a religion that is empty and without value. This shows that not all religion is acceptable before God—there is religion that is true, and there is religion that is vain.
True religion, which is true worship and genuine service to God, is taught in the Church of God as revealed in the Bible. Scripture identifies the existence of a true church where God’s instructions are preserved and taught. In this church, believers are guided on how to live, how to behave, how to worship, and how to treat others according to God’s will.
The Bible emphasizes that true worship must be done “in spirit and in truth.” This kind of worship is not based on human traditions or personal opinions but on God’s word and sincere obedience. Worshipping God in spirit and in truth defines what true religion truly is.
Any form of worship directed toward animals, birds, snakes, or any created thing is considered false worship. The Bible teaches that God alone, the Creator, deserves worship—not His creation. To worship a created object is to follow a false god and belong to an erroneous religion. Such practices are displeasing to God and are described as evil in His sight.
Therefore, true religion is the worship and service of the one true God, carried out according to His word, in spirit and in truth.
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