Should A Christian Ever Participate In A Muslim, Buddhist, Shinto, Or Other Religious Ceremony?
In Japan, there is a joke that people are born Shinto, married in a “Christian” (style) western wedding, and die Buddhist. We know that Jesus is the only way to God. As believers, our goal is to make sure that everyone knows Jesus when their spirit leaves their body. Without Jesus, you will be forever separated from the light of God at physical death. Religion is mankind’s vain attempt to get to God. Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is the only way to get to God. That means that religion is a dead end.
What About Religion?
The Lord Jesus was very much against religion. He hates religion, as religion is the traditions of men, no more no less. It doesn’t matter what flavor of religion it is. Religion is a farce that will separate you from God the Father, not take you to Him. God is not some mean bearded man in heaven that wants to abuse people. God is our loving Father to those who accept Jesus as the proxy that covered all their sins. Religion abuses and controls people, God loves us. Jesus taught that we should repent (turn from our evil ways) as we will be judged by the Father for what we do while we are on this earth. Jesus was not happy with the religious people because they worshipped traditions but didn’t worship God. Religion is dangerous and sometimes lethal.
Should A Christian Participate In Religious Ceremonies?
The short and simple answer is, Christians should NOT participate in religious ceremonies. By going to a shrine, temple, or other religious building, you are recognizing the gods of that religion. The Father says in Deuteronomy 4:24 that He is jealous and a Christian should never go to a shrine and place incense, bow to an idol or image of something, place food in front of a dead relative’s image, or kneel to any so-called ‘god’. In fact, 1 Corinthians 10:20 says that when you pray or bow to an image you are praying to a demon. You are opening yourself up to curses from those demons who want to kill, steal, or destroy you. We see curses for not putting our relationship with God first in Deuteronomy 28:15-24. God shows that He wants us to choose Him so He can bless us in all we do in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
How Does Satan Use Religion?
The purpose of religion in the world is to deceive people from knowing the only true God. Satan and the forces of hell are trying to deceive as many people as they can to die before knowing Jesus personally as their Lord and Savior. The enemy does this through religious deception. Not just religious deception but also religious ‘Christians’ as well. Some countries with relatively free societies try to put Christians into the box of religion along with these groups that teach the ‘traditions of men’. Never should we participate in these joint events because they dishonor God Almighty, and are a huge waste of time. There is no point of a Christian praying with a religious person unless you are praying with them to know God through Jesus. Elijah did have a joint meeting with other religious people in 1 Kings 18:1-40. God showed He is with His people and the religious people ended in disaster.
You Are To Be Set Apart
God wants you to be different that everyone else as a Christian. He wants you to be walking in divine health, prosperity, grace, and wisdom. 2 Corinthians 6:17 says we are to come out and be separate from the world. Religion can’t help the world, but a Holy Spirit baptized follower of Jesus can change the people around him as well as the whole world.
Jesus avoided religious people. Who focused on those who know they are lost and in need of hope only God can give. Avoid being associated with religious ceremonies as you could be a stumbling block to other believers or eventually even lose your salvation if you allow the enemy to deceive you through religion.
God is good, we need to tell the world of His goodness. Do you know Him? Here’s how.
___________________________
Thanks for reading FaithPro! You are here because you want to know the truth, and the truth of the Word will set you free! Don’t keep the freedom to yourself! Share with others via the buttons below. One Word from God can change someone’s life forever. Jesus is Lord!
