Religion vs Rules
It’s a common misconception to think of Christianity as a set of rules to follow rather than a religion. But religion and rules are not mutually exclusive. Christianity is based on God’s Word, which includes set principles and commands to be followed and obeyed. So, while the faith has often been framed as one of rules, there is more to it than just a list of “do’s” and “don’ts”.
The Bible is the primary source of instruction and guidance for Christians. The Word of God is the basis for faith and for the Christian way of life. While the Bible does not provide a single, comprehensive set of rules that can be followed by everyone, it does provide guidelines for behavior. The Ten Commandments form the core of religious law in Christianity, but many other passages in the Bible provide instruction on how to live life according to the will of God.
Certain denominations of Christianity may have additional teaching on the subject. For example, the Catholic Church has a body of written law known as Canon Law. These laws provide an additional layer of instruction which, while often not as obligatory as scripture, should still be taken into consideration by members of that faith community. Other denominations may have additional instruction regarding community standards and guidelines, such as prohibitions on certain kinds of behavior.
It’s important to note that there is no single “right” way to interpret scripture. Different individuals, denominations, and Church Fathers may have different interpretations of scripture and different views on how it should be applied to their lives. It’s important for Christians to think critically and prayerfully about the commands of scripture and to seek guidance from trusted leaders within the Church.
When Rules Become Legalism
When rules become an end in themselves, it’s known as legalism. This often happens when the focus on following rules and regulations comes to dominate the faith of those involved. Instead of drawing closer to God and finding joy in their relationship with Him, those who fall into legalism are instead preoccupied with outward appearances and following the rules precisely.
Legalism detracts from the power of the gospel, as it diverts attention from the core teachings of Christianity. It is also dangerous because it can lead to a false sense of security. By following the rules, people often deceive themselves into believing that they are secure in their salvation even though their hearts may not be in the right place and their relationship with God may be faltering.
Legalism also places the emphasis on external actions rather than internal transformation. While outward behavior may be important, the primary focus of Christianity should be on spiritual growth and inner transformation. Legalism cannot provide true spiritual growth and can instead lead to pride, arrogance, and other sins.
The Importance of Grace
Christianity is based on grace, not rules. The salvation of believers rests on the unconditional love and mercy of God — not on the ability to keep the rules. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He taught contrary to the rules of the Old Testament, stressing grace and mercy over blind obedience to the Law.
True Christianity is not obedience to rules but a loving relationship with God. The Bible teaches that this loving relationship should be expressed through obedience to God — which includes following His commands and abiding by His principles. However, the emphasis should always be on grace, forgiveness, and love. By focusing on grace, we can ensure that our relationship with God remains strong, instead of becoming focused on external rules and regulations.
Hatred of the Law
There is a real danger that those who are strongly against rules will fall into a false form of Christianity. It’s understandable to be frustrated with legalism, but there should be no hatred for the law itself. In the Old Testament, the Law was designed to point people to God and show them their need for Him. Today, Jesus’ teachings of grace and mercy can point us back to God, but the principles of the Old Testament law are still an important guide for Christian life.
Too often, those who are against rules forget that Jesus was the author of the Law and He understood the importance of it. While the new covenant of grace is helpful in preventing legalism, it’s essential to remember that the Law still has a place in Christian life.
Understanding the Rules of Christianity
It’s important to remember that the term “rule” doesn’t mean the same as “law”. Rules are often more like guidelines — principles and instructions that should guide conduct within the Christian faith. To this end, the Bible does provide a set of rules, but it’s important to understand the context within which these rules are given and to be careful not to fall into legalism.
At the end of the day, faith in God and trust in His word should override all rules. While it’s important to follow the commands of scripture, the real focus of the Christian life should be to draw closer to God and to live out a life of love, mercy, and grace.
The Gospels
Gospels are the primary source of divine messages provided to humans in the Bible. Jesus is seen as the son of God in Christianity and he has preached four different gospels. The four gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These four gospels provide Christians with Jesus’ teachings that are at the core of Christian faith. These gospels are often interpreted by scholars and religious leaders so that the message that is written in the Bible can be effectively understood by those that study it.
For those that may question what Jesus was trying to teach, the gospels are seen as being a reference for understanding these issues. It is often true that there are open to interpretations, but hard rules are provided in most of the teachings. These teachings may come as a warning from God. They also provide guidance on how to conduct oneself, as well as how to approach problems in life. The hope is that by following these teachings, people can be more in line with the will of God.
Moral Code
The teachings provided by Jesus in the gospels provide a moral code for those that follow them. Christianity is often seen as a moral code for anyone to abide by. This moral code usually consists of teachings against the poorer behaviour that is seen in life. This can include actions such as stealing, lying, and harming others. It also provides those that follow Christianity with a moral compass on how to make life decisions, such as how to treat others, and how to conduct themselves in difficult situations.
Without following these moral codes, practitioners of Christianity may be unintentionally setting themselves apart from the will of God. Understanding and applying the moral code that has been established in the gospels can be extremely beneficial to those that choose to do so. The hope is that those that follow these teachings will be able to apply them in their everyday life, and be strong in their faith and understanding of the Bible.
Prayer and Worship
The practice of prayer and worship is essential to Christianity. It allows people to commune with God and express their love and devotion. It also serves as a reminder of God’s promise of eternal love and grace, no matter what mistakes one has made or how much wrong has been done. Prayer and worship serves as a reminder that God’s forgiveness and mercy are greater than any sin, and that He will never leave the faithful.
Prayer and worship also serves as a way of strengthening one’s relationship with God. As one persists in prayer, it can lead to a deeper understanding of what God’s will is and a greater sense of joy knowing that one is loved by Him. Prayer and worship are essential aspects of Christian life and should be practiced regularly in order to stay in line with the will of God.
Putting it All Together
Christianity is more than just a set of rules and regulations. It’s a faith based on grace and mercy. Rules are important, but they should never be an end in themselves; instead, they should serve as a reminder of the way that God wants us to live and the love he has for us. Ultimately, the goal of Christian life should be to draw nearer to God, deepening our understanding of Him, and growing stronger in our faith.
