Biblical Concept: God, Religion Or Relationship With
Mark 7:5-8; God wants your
heart, not lip service, precepts, and traditions of men. Notice the relationship between “heart” and
“commandment.” See also 7:9-13.
Mark 12:32-33; God wants love
from your all your heart, understanding, and strength, not burnt offerings and
sacrifices. Note the relationship
between “love” and “understanding.”
Compare 1 John 5:1-3.
Isaiah 1:11-23; God wants
application of good versus evil, not sacrifices, offerings, assemblies,
festivals, feasts, and multiplied prayers.
Compare Hosea 6:6, Amos 5:22-24, Mica 6:6-8, and Psalm 51:16-17.
Colossians 2:20-3:4; God
wants your seeking mind set on Christ above, not self-made religion.
James 1:22; God wants you to
apply His word, not have the religious delusion of just hearing His word. Note: “Delusion” = paralogizomai (paralogi,zomai) = to reason beside = to come close to applying God’s
word. See also 1:23-25.
James 1:26, God wants your
bridled tongue not your religion. Note
1:27.