How does the Bible use the word religion?
The Bible never uses the word religion in a good way; it is generally used in a bad sense, except one place where it is not a strong point. Religion is man's attempt to merit favor with God, opposed to true Christianity, where God reaches down to sinful man.
Les explains that the Bible never speaks of religion in a good way; there is only one place, and even then it is not a strong point, but usually religion is used in a bad sense. For example, Paul in Galatians spoke of having practiced the Jewish religion more strongly than his peers, but it was just a religion—he knew nothing of a relationship with God at that time. Les defines religion as man's attempt to somehow reach and merit favor with God, whether the Jewish religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, or anything else. Proverbs says man thinks if he does this, God will be pleased. Adam and Eve sowed fig leaves as an act of religion, thinking covering their nakedness would make God accept them. True Christianity is exactly the opposite: God reaching down to unworthy, sinful man. All religions attempt to merit favor with God; they may be good as far as they go, but they can never merit favor with God. It is what God has done for man.