Hebrews 6:1-3 (ESV)
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.
One of the most common phrases in Christianity is that Christianity is not a religion but a relationship. However, this phrase must be clarified because words have meaning. This is what we aim to do this week as we handle the topic, ‘From Religion to Relationship.’ Meaning that our aim is that we would move from a mere set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices to a person.
This is what the author of Hebrews is exhorting his audience to do. To grow from mere externals to a deeper understanding of Christ. Unfortunately, the natural human tendency is to focus more on the externals and what we can do, yet these alone have no significant eternal impact. By way of illustration, let’s take the example of a home setting. Every home has a particular way in which it operates. There are norms, traditions, and practices that are unique to that home. But it is not those things that make one a member of that home. The same is true of Christianity. We have certain norms, traditions, and practices, but these things do not make us members of Christ. That is why we must pursue a relationship with Him more than we pursue these religious activities. As Jesus would tell the Jews in John 5:39:
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life._
Reflections
1. Do you think there is a need to have conversations like these?
2. How would you explain the difference between Christian religion and relationship?
3. What is the effect of today’s devotion on your Christian walk?
