Faith Beyond Religion: Following Jesus in Truth and Life
Introduction
Today we step into a topic that strikes at the heart of what it means to truly follow Jesus: faith and religion—how they intersect, yet are profoundly different. In a world where religious practice is often measured by attendance, ritual, and tradition, the call of Christ is far deeper. Faith is not merely religion; it is a vibrant, personal trust in the living God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
I want you to hold onto this truth: religion can inform your life, it can guide behaviour—but faith transforms your life from the inside out. Let’s explore this together from the Scriptures, understanding how genuine faith sets us free, equips us for discipleship, and impacts our communities for the glory of God.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT): "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see."
Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith.” The Greek word used for faith here is pistis, which denotes trust, reliance, and firm conviction. The author of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians who were under pressure to revert to ceremonial religion. He reminds them that faith is not about ritual compliance but trust in God’s promises.
Faith, the Scripture tells us, is active and relational. It reaches beyond the visible, tangible world into the reality of God’s promises. Religion, on the other hand, often remains visible—it is what you do, not whom you trust.
Illustration: Imagine two people standing on opposite sides of a wide chasm. Religion may give you a map, a rope, and rules about how to cross. Faith is taking the step because you trust the one who built the bridge.
John Piper wrote, “Faith is not mere belief; it is a life surrendered to the will of God because we trust Him completely.”
Here, Piper reminds us that true faith is personal surrender, not a checklist of duties. Religion without faith can tick boxes but does not transform the heart.
Point 1: Faith is Relational, Religion is Ritual
Consider Micah 6:6-8 (NLT): "With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should I offer my firstborn for my rebellion, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you: Only to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
The prophet Micah addresses Israel, who had become expert at religious ritual—sacrifices, festivals, offerings—yet their hearts were distant from God. The Hebrew word for “walk” here, halak, implies a daily lifestyle of ongoing relationship and obedience, not merely ritual performance.
Faith focuses on relationship: “walk humbly with your God.” Religion focuses on ritual: “burnt offerings, rivers of olive oil.”
Modern believers often fall into “religious checklists”: attending church, volunteering, giving, but lacking deep, trusting relationship with Jesus. Faith invites us to intimacy with God—through prayer, Scripture, obedience—not simply participation in activities.
A man once told me, “I’ve been attending church faithfully for twenty years, but I feel no peace, no joy, no power in my life.” That’s religion without faith. But when he surrendered his heart to Christ, trusting Jesus fully, everything changed. Faith transformed duty into delight, law into love.
R.T. Kendall said, “Religion can produce outward morality, but only faith produces inward transformation.”
Indeed, Kendall underscores the distinction: ritual can shape behaviour externally; only faith reshapes the soul internally.
Point 2: Faith Impacts the Heart, Religion Controls Behaviour
Let’s turn to Romans 10:9-10 (NLT): "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God — and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved."
Paul writes to the Roman church, a mixture of Jews and Gentiles steeped in both cultural and religious practices. The Greek word for “believe” here is pisteuo, which conveys personal trust and commitment, not just intellectual assent.
Religion might prescribe outward actions—attendance, fasting, charity—but faith reaches the heart. Faith is internal trust in Christ, resulting in external obedience. Paul emphasises a holistic transformation: belief leads to confession, confession leads to salvation, and salvation changes life.
In today’s world, it is easy to confuse being “religious” with being “right with God.” One might pray, tithe, volunteer—but without heart-level trust in Jesus, these acts are empty. True faith begins in the heart, flows outward, and produces a life that honours God.
Think of a seed planted in concrete. Religion may create structure—the seed sits in a pot—but only faith nurtures growth. Faith softens the heart, lets the Spirit water and the Sun of Righteousness shine.
Tim Keller observed, “Religion is what you do; faith is what God does in you.”
This is profound. Religion without faith produces mere action; faith without religion produces authentic devotion that transforms communities and lives.
Point 3: Faith Produces Freedom, Religion Can Produce Bondage
Consider Galatians 5:1 (NLT): "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law."
Paul addresses believers who were tempted to return to legalistic observances—rituals, laws, and human traditions. The Greek word for “slavery” here is douleia, implying bondage, not simply obligation. Religion without faith often enslaves; faith liberates.
Religion can become burdensome rules; faith produces joyful obedience. Faith rests in Christ’s work; religion rests on human effort.
Application: In the 21st century, believers are pressured by social expectations: “If you’re spiritual, do this, say that, attend here.” True discipleship, born of faith, is freedom. You are no longer bound by fear of judgment but empowered by the love of Christ.
A friend once described his faith journey like this: “I spent years following religious rules, always anxious I’d fail God. When I finally trusted Jesus, I realised obedience was no longer a chain—it was wings.”
Charles Stanley said, “True faith never imprisons; it always liberates because it rests in the grace of God, not the efforts of man.”
Faith liberates. Religion can constrict. Understanding this is critical for authentic discipleship.
Point 4: Faith Transforms Communities, Religion Maintains the Status Quo
Let’s examine James 2:14-17 (NLT): "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does it do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."
James addresses believers who may claim faith but live as if their trust in God has no practical implications. The Greek term for “dead” here is nekros, meaning utterly lifeless. Faith is inherently active—it produces tangible change in communities. Religion, if disconnected from heart-level faith, may maintain rituals or appearances but fails to impact others meaningfully.
Modern Christianity often struggles with this tension. We can have thriving churches, beautiful services, programs and outreach plans—but if these are performed out of obligation rather than faith, they can feel lifeless. Faith, however, flows naturally into acts of love, mercy, and justice, touching lives in ways that religion alone cannot.
Think of a hospital volunteer who donates time simply out of duty versus one who serves because of deep faith in Christ’s love. The first may do the tasks, but the second brings hope, encouragement, and life. Their faith transforms both the giver and the receiver.
Max Lucado wrote, “Faith is like a fire—it warms, it lights, and it spreads. Religion without faith is like a lamp without oil—bright for a moment, then dark.”
Lucado’s imagery reminds us that faith is dynamic and contagious, while empty religion is static and ultimately ineffectual.
Point 5: Faith Leads to Salvation and Eternal Life
The ultimate difference between faith and religion is the Gospel itself.
Consider Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT): "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."
Paul writes to the Ephesian believers who were steeped in works-based religion, reminding them that salvation is entirely a gift of grace. The Greek word for “believed” is pisteusantes, indicating personal trust and reliance on God’s promise. Religion may offer rules, deeds, or rituals to earn God’s favour—but faith receives God’s gift of salvation through Christ.
In a world obsessed with achievement, performance, and recognition, it is tempting to view God as a rewarder of effort. True faith humbles us before the cross, acknowledging that Christ’s death and resurrection—not our works—secure forgiveness and eternal life.
Imagine a lifeboat approaching a drowning man. Religion may tell him to swim harder, try new techniques, or prove his worthiness. Faith throws him into the arms of the rescuer. Only trust in the Saviour saves.
John Piper stated, “Faith is receiving Christ; religion is trying to reach God. The difference is life and death.”
Piper’s words strike at the heart: religion cannot save; faith in Christ alone redeems.
Gospel Presentation
Here is the Good News: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin. He was buried, and on the third day, He rose from the dead, conquering sin, death, and hell.
Faith is responding to this reality: to repent—turn from sin and self-reliance—and to trust fully in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Religion can guide your behaviour, but only faith brings you into a personal, saving relationship with God.
Today, if you have been living under the burden of religion—following rules, attending services, yet feeling distant from God—know that Jesus invites you into relationship. Place your trust in Him. Confess your sins, believe in His resurrection, and allow His Spirit to transform your heart.
Practical Application and Call to Action
Examine Your Heart: Are you operating out of faith or merely religion? Ask God to reveal areas where routine has replaced relationship.
Trust Jesus Personally: Confess Him as Lord and Saviour. Receive His grace, not your own efforts, as the source of salvation.
Live Faithfully: Let faith shape your daily life, decisions, and relationships. Walk humbly, love mercy, and act justly (Micah 6:8).
Serve Others: Faith produces deeds of love and compassion, impacting your community with the life of Christ.
Share the Gospel: Faith naturally extends outward. Encourage others to trust Christ for salvation, not merely participate in religion.
I remember a woman who felt trapped in a cycle of religious guilt. When she placed her faith in Christ, she began volunteering not from obligation, but from love. Her joy was contagious, transforming her workplace, family, and friends. Faith changes everything.
Conclusion and Benediction
Dear friends, faith is not religion. Faith is relational, liberating, heart-transforming, and life-giving. Religion without faith can instruct, guide, or organise—but only faith gives salvation, freedom, and true impact.
As you leave today, remember this: walk in faith, not merely ritual; trust Christ, not merely tradition; let your life reflect the One who gave Himself for you. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ empower you to live as His disciple, confident in salvation, filled with His Spirit, and ready to impact the world for His glory.
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13, NLT)
