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NASB | Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 12:2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. [Ps 110:1] |
Subject: Is man the founder of religion? |
Bible Note: Dear Lionheart, No, our question is still how we define religion. There are several words translated to the English as religion: 1. Threskeia (Acts 26:5; Colossians 2:18; James 1:26 and 27), a noun, meaning worship, discipline, or ceremonies. 2. Threskos (James 126a), an adjective, meaning fearing God. 3. Ioudaismos (Galatians 1:13 and 14), a noun, meaning the Jewish faith and worship. 4. Deisidaimonesteros (Acts 17:22), an adjective, meaning very pious. Clearly, Scripture does not use the simple word that we do. If we use the modern definition of religion, as the beliefs and practices associated with man's effort to reach God, then Christianity is not a religion. Indeed, in that sense, Christianity is the opposite of religion, since it is how God reaches man. Therefore, we'd say that religion was not founded by God. On the other hand, if you define religion as the set of beliefs and practices proscribed by the Bible, then Christianity is a religion. Therefore, we'd say that religion was founded by God. You see? It all depends on one's definition. In Him, Doc |