The Foundation of False Religion
All false religions are anti-God and animistic in nature. We as people naturally are the enemies of God. We are born rebelling against Him. Moreover, we deny that He is good and do not give Him the honor He deserves. Romans 1:18-25 talks about how humanity has rejected God, and turned to false gods instead.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:18-25)
Let us look at some of the major themes here.
- Humankind is at enmity with God. Romans 1:18 tells us that He has nothing but wrath toward the human race. God exists apart from the human experience, and though we may know this truth, we deny Him.
- Humankind rejects God as Creator, and by implication, as Ruler and Owner of all that there is. The existence of the universe shows the handiwork of a Creator. God puts it in us to understand His existence (Romans 1:19), and He does this in two ways:
The complexity of the creation confirms a Creator. Looking at the intricate design of the universe, we honestly must concede that a personal, intelligent Person created everything we see.
This Creator must also be powerful to create such a massive universe. We can understand that by observing creation, this God is eternal (not limited by time or space, Romans 1:20). If He can create all that we see and all that we cannot see, then His power has no bound. - Humankind did not recognize God’s goodness or authority. The God that created us and provides our needs received no thanks from us (Romans 1:21). Not only are we ungrateful toward God, we actively and foolishly consider alternatives to the worship of God.
Instead of serving the Creator God, we liken God to something that He created. Subordinate creatures became gods in and of themselves (Romans 1:23). By doing this, we undermine God’s power, glory and goodness, and reject His authority. As a result, we see God as a controllable entity, obligating Him to meet felt needs, and, as often is the case in western culture, make us happy. To believe this is to deceive ourselves and live a lie (Romans 1:25). - God gave humankind over to their own desires. Because of our stubbornness, God actually gives us what we want. He lets us live a life of rejecting Him. The ultimate end to this life we have chosen is a life of godlessness, with many sins enumerated in Romans 1:28-32, and eternal death in hell. The world we read about in the news is testament to this.
God’s goodness to us was that, even while we were His enemies, He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, and rose from the dead. The record of our sin and rebellion was taken away by His action alone on the cross of Jesus Christ.
Why did it have to be that way? Surely we could have just asked for forgiveness, or maybe we could just turn over a new leaf and start over. However, we are by nature sinners, and could never save ourselves from the wrath to come. God Himself had to act unilaterally to save us from His wrath because we are unable to manipulate God, as we saw above. Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)
If you would like more information about how to have peace with God, please read the short e-book entitled Everlasting Life that will explain everything in greater detail.
Related
A Comparison of World Religions