The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
We’ve all heard the quote about Christianity, “It’s not a religion, it’s a relationship.” While it would be ideal if we could say in a simple sentence that Christianity is black and white, it is actually a bit more. Unfortunately, over time people have viewed Christianity through a lens of legalism. In turn, it makes people look at religion with an immediate distaste. But Jesus gave us more than just a list of do’s and don’ts. He gave us life and amazing grace.
Christianity is both a religion and a relationship. But why do we see so many Christians quoting this statement as if it came from the Bible itself? As the Bible is seen as increasingly more offensive, it is easy to see how people think that religious zealots reflect what Christianity is about.
Why it’s a religion:
A religion is defined by Merriam-Webster to be (1) the service and worship of God or the supernatural;
(2) commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance, and a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.
When people quote this idea of what they think Christianity is, they are trying to put legalism next to Christianity as if it belongs in the same definition. I’ve heard people reason that Christianity is not a religion because every other religion is based on works and not just faith alone. It’s true that Christianity is based on faith, but it still fits the definition of what a religion is. As Christians, we don’t have to be fearful of the word religion, instead we should be watchful of the condition of our heart and not just our outward appearance.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17
Why it’s a relationship:
Following Jesus is about a relationship! But there is a reason we had the Old Testament Law, which often causes people to see Christianity as just another religion. But then Jesus was born and He changed everything. Jesus became a man so that He could show us how to love our Father in heaven and how much we must depend on Him. It wasn’t just about seeing a perfect man or a good teacher follow all the rules. It was about seeing how close of a relationship Jesus had with God. And it still is about the relationship we have with God.
“But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.” 1 Corinthians 6:17
And why it’s both:
Being a Christian is about knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It’s not just a religion nor is it just a relationship. First we had The Law, and it became apparent we could not keep those rules. We have a relationship with Jesus because of the extreme love bestowed upon us by our heavenly Father. It took Jesus living here for us to understand that crazy love. Some people may argue that Christianity is not a religion because religion is from man and not God. While man created the paganism that runs rampant in our world, it’s important to realize that to the lost, Christianity is a religion because it’s a belief and a way of life we choose to live.
God gives us rules and although we were saved through faith, the Lord also has set rules for us to follow. It all comes down to commitment, but commitment is about love. If you love the Lord you will be committed to Him.
Do you think Christianity is a religion, a relationship, or both?
Very good article. An important distinction to make, of course, is that Jesus is the only religious leader who rose from the dead.
Oh, my, are we listening to the same Spirit or what?! My article for today was Longing to Know God–or Legalism. 🙂 Guess this topic is on our Lord’s mind! Both, for the record.