Bybelskool

Religion — The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Jan Oosthuizen

22 Sep 2025 • 9 min read

Religion can put new clothes on the man, but Christ puts a new man in clothes.

The enmity between false religion and those of true faith has existed since the dawn of humanity. When the first religious sacrifices were made, the Lord accepted Abel and his offering, but not Cain’s. Cain was enraged and disheartened by this. The Lord addressed Cain’s anger, saying:

“Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Gen. 4:6–7; Heb. 11:4)

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently clashed with the Pharisees and Sadducees, who represented the religious establishment of the time. They often opposed Jesus’ teachings and sought to undermine His ministry, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Jesus criticized them for their hypocrisy and adherence to man-made traditions over God’s commandments. (Matt. 23:1–36; Mark 7:6–8)

“Then He charged them, saying, ‘Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.’” (Mark 8:15)

Later, Paul highlights the conflict between the son of promise, born by the Spirit, and the son of the flesh. Ishmael, born in the flesh, persecuted Isaac, who was born by the Spirit of God, and this pattern of enmity continues today (Gal. 4:29).

Ultimately, it was the religious system (in collusion with the state) that crucified Jesus, showing that the opposition between false religion and true faith is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

This opposition often takes the form of an unholy religious complex whose ultimate goal is the persecution and destruction of the Church. One partner operates covertly within the Church as the false church. The other is the demonic spiritual realm, comprising principalities, powers, and rulers (Eph. 6:12).

Herod had John the Baptist executed, and the Pharisees orchestrated Jesus’ crucifixion.

The spirit of false religion (often fused with political zeal) justifies condemning innocent people to death to uphold and propagate deception. It aims to position itself as "the messiah" who saves and fixes everything.

Throughout history, several people groups and nations have fallen under the disruptive rule of dictators—self-appointed saviors who crush others to maintain their control.

The Spirit of Religion

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” (Rev. 13:11)

Just like the first animal is part of an ecosystem rather than being an individual, so the “beast from the earth” is also a system and not an individual. He only has two horns and not ten like the dragon from the sea. This is an indication of his subordination. This dragon has limited powers. He looks like a lamb, but when he speaks, he speaks with the voice of the dragon.

The dragon-lamb’s modus operandi and purpose are clearly spelled out: “he causes the earth and those who dwell on it to worship the first beast.” The dragon-lamb mainly has a religious role to play. He claims to represent the truth and to be harmless, but his speech gives him away as an ambassador of Satan. In a sense, the dragon-lamb is an antichrist or pseudo-christ. He pretends to be an alternative or “other” Christ.

In 95 AD false religions, in collaboration with imperial officials, intoxicated the people. The emperor was worshiped with great ceremony under the supervision of the government officials.

The dragon-lamb shifts the people’s focus from God and places it on the system of the day.

It is not uncommon to see the religiosity of governments:

The British sing: “God save our gracious Queen…”
The Russians refer to “Holy Mother Russia.” To be a Slav is to be Russian Orthodox; being non-Orthodox is seen as betrayal.
In old South Africa we sang: “We will live, we will die, we for you, South Africa.”
In Ireland, the war between Protestants and Catholics is deeply rooted in bitterness.
The dragon-lamb painted red crosses on the shields of soldiers in the Middle Ages and supported governments while committing horrific atrocities. 1

Warning Against Religion

Distinguishing false religion is difficult because it tarnishes the sincere desire to please and glorify God.

It is terribly sad to meet beautiful believers who have fallen prey to a sect that focuses on methods, rituals, rites and rules based on the Word, but without the Holy Spirit.

Virtually the entire NT’s apostolic letters were written to warn against such DECEPTION:

false Christs (Mark 13:22)
false teaching (Eph. 4:14)
false prophets (Matt. 7:15, 20; 1 John 4:1)
false apostles (2 Cor. 11:13)
false signs and wonders (2 Thess. 2:9)

How To Keep the Course in Truth?

Foundation of Christ — TRUTH IS A PERSON!

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 1:13)

The purpose of all ministries is to see CHRIST FORMED in every life and everyday life

SEE Gal. 4:19; Col. 1:28–29; 2 Cor. 11:2; 1 Cor. 2:2; 2 Pet. 1:8; Eph. 4:13.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)

“…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3b)

“…remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.” (1 Cor. 11:2b)

“…stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Thess. 2:15)

“If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” (1 Tim. 4:6)

“holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”; “speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.” (Titus 1:9; 2:1)

Fruit of Righteousness and the Holy Spirit

“For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:8)

“Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matt. 3:8)

“…every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” (Matt. 7:17)

“By their fruits you will know them.” (Matt. 7:20)

“Having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” (Rom. 6:22)

“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Phil. 1:11)

The Anatomy of an Accurate Faith Life

We are engaged in a struggle to maintain our faith:

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life…” (1 Tim. 6:12)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7)

The focus of Satan is to make you DOUBT. Since the beginning, Satan asks: “Did God really say…?” (Gen. 3:1). And when he tempted Jesus, “If you are the Son of God…” (Matt. 4:6).

Therefore, we must constantly TEST ourselves whether we are:

Speaking and acting in faith or not. (2 Cor. 13:5)
Pleasing God, for only faith can please God. (Heb. 11:6)
Resisting sin, for that which is not of faith is sin! (Rom. 14:23)

Jesus Exposes Religion

Jesus shows and proves His love for mankind—the sick; the lost; the rejected; the women; the lepers; the sinners and the tax collectors. But He shows no mercy to the religious:

READ: Matt. 23:13; 12:34; 15:7–9; Mark 7:6–8; Matt. 23:15–16, 23–33; Luke 11:42–44; 13:15; John 8:44.

There are good traditions and doctrinal truths (1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6), but the enslaving traditions of men—the culture and worldview of man—are dangerous (Matt. 15:2, 3, 6; Gal. 1:14; Col. 2:8; Mark 7:3, 5).

15 Differences Between True and False Religion

Framework: Religion lives from a static image of God; relationship lives in present revealed truth (2 Pet. 1:12).
Works: Religion tries to do things to get to God; relationship lives from the reality He is in me. His righteousness is our means of life (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 14:17; 2 Cor. 5:21).
Orientation: Religion is human-oriented; relationship is God-directed.
Drive: In religion, rules drive you; in relationship, love drives you.
Boundaries: Religion keeps rules out of guilt/fear; relationship keeps them out of surrendered love.
Discipline: Religion is powerless against the flesh—a form of godliness denying its power (2 Tim. 3:5; Col. 2:23).
Obedience: Religion majors on minors to dodge weightier commands (Mark 7:8–13).
Rules vs People: Religion protects rules more than people (Mark 3:2).
Conflict: Religion argues and distracts, pulling us from obedience (Col. 2:8).
Magical Objects: Religion trusts objects and traditions; redemption is only by Christ’s blood (1 Pet. 1:18–20).
Control: Religion prohibits expressions of love, e.g., Mary’s extravagant worship (Matt. 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–39; John 11:2).
Focus: False religion is human-centred—competition, comparison, fear of man (Prov. 29:25; John 12:42–43; Matt. 23:5; Luke 11:39).
Deception: Beware strange doctrines; be established by grace (Heb. 13:9; 1 Tim. 4:1–2).
Methods: Don’t let anyone judge you by shadows—hold fast to Christ (Col. 2:16–23).
Pride: Self-righteousness breeds pride and isolation (Luke 18:9).

Read Luke 11:37–54 with this commentary:

v.13 – No close relationship with the Lord (Luke 11:42); disregarding the righteousness and love of God.
v.16 – Double standards.
v.23–24 – Small points of contention and ritual, but no obedience/fruit.
v.25–26 – Focus on outward; powerless to change the heart.
v.28 – Hypocrisy (Luke 12:1): beware the leaven of the Pharisees.
v.28 – Contempt for the heart/depth of the law.
v.43 – Love the prestige of people.
v.46 – Unbearable burdens on people, which they themselves won’t carry.
v.52 – “You took away the key of knowledge… you hindered those entering.”

Exclusivity, elitism: Luke 11:37–42; 45–53; 12:1–2; Matt. 10:26–33.

The Worship God Despises

The Lord accepted Abel and his sacrifice, but not Cain’s (Gen. 4:4–7; Heb. 11:4).

Israel was reprimanded by Amos: boasting in voluntary sacrifices (Amos 4:4–5).

“I will not accept your burnt offerings… Away with your noisy hymns… I want a flood of justice and righteous living.” (Amos 5:22–24 NLT)

“You sing trivial songs… and fancy yourselves great musicians like David.” (Amos 6:5 NLT)

“What makes you think I want all your sacrifices? … Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts… I want no more of your pious meetings… your hands are covered with blood.” (Isa. 1:11–15 NLT)

“They furnish wine and lovely music… but they never think about the Lord or notice what He is doing.” (Isa. 5:12)

“These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; their worship is man-made rules learned by rote.” (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:9)

The Worship Pleasing to God

“This is what I’m after: one who is reverently responsive… Your acts of worship are acts of sin… You choose self-serving worship… I will expose your nonsense…” (Isa. 66:1–2; Ps. 51:17, 19 — Message)

“This is the kind of fasting I want: free the oppressed… share your food… shelter the homeless… clothe the naked…” (Isa. 58:6–7 NLT)

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” (Hos. 6:6; Matt. 9:13; 12:7 AMP)

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)

“We are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Phil. 3:3)

Dealing with the Spirit of Religion

“To whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” (Gal. 2:5)

The age-old strategy of the enemy is to infiltrate the church with falsehoods and human-oriented wisdom that sounds right, but mocks what is holy and refuses the Spirit’s way.

Only the Holy Spirit can reveal the True Jesus and lead us to follow Him on a daily journey of self-denial, self-crucifixion, and resurrection in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour!