Man Made Ways – Self Based Religion

Man Made Ways – Self Made Religion

The apostle Paul writes to avoid such teachings of self made religion where we are to do things in a certain way.

However, the key rule to observe whether if something is sin or not? Only sin is “not” permissible.

For example, I was reprimanded for eating with my elbow on the table & not putting a napkin on my lap in a western country. The person said that I was rude & lacked manners for doing so. These rules like many other practices they hold to such as worship in a certain way or even walk in a certain way was strange to me.

Through these experiences I learnt something deep, Christ never condemned me for eating in that way nor for worshipping Him with a rock song. He still Healed me completely of voices & even from inexplainable body pains which are almost all gone completely!

So, as Christ has received me (Blessed & Merciful One He is), these ways of man to put themselves purer or higher than me just because they practice these self made rules reminds me of the verses below:

“Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially.

And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining.

So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.”

Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written:

‘These people honor Me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from Me.

They worship Me in vain;
they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’

You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” (Mark 7:3 – 8)

Also,

“If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,

“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”

(which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?

These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” (Colossians 2:20 – 23)

Yes, their “minds” are “hardened” & it’s demonstrated by such “lack of freedom” to “create rules where it is not sin if done otherwise” (only sin is to avoided!):

“But their minds were hardened; for until the present day, the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant, not being lifted, which is being removed in Christ.

But unto this day, when Moses shall be read, a veil lies over their heart.

But whenever one shall have turned to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:14 – 17)

Yes, where the “Spirit of the Lord is”, there is “freedom”.

What freedom?
Freedom from both sin and observances of vain traditions of men to do things in a certain cultural or opinion based ways.