
The Jewish prophet Malachi issued a great and bold challenge that is found in both Jewish and Christian scripture. Here is a simplified translation
1. Repent and forsake your wicked deeds. Serve God, do good, keep His commandments, pay your tithes and offerings. He will prove himself to you by pouring great blessings upon you and your family in this life, protect you from the destroying angel, and make you to be the jewels of his Kingdom in the next life. (Click here for full version. Malachi 3:7-18):
Jesus of the New Testament issued a similar challenge in his sermons.
2. "By their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:20.) “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit… Every tree is known by his own fruit.” (Luke 6:43–44.)
One could say that the "tree" is the church and its "fruits" are the blessings that follow those who live its teachings to the best of their ability. Both Malachi and Jesus taught that by turning your course to follow after God's way will bring you happiness and blessings in this lifetime.
3. Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Another great test of religion is to see if it emphasizes selfishness or selflessness. In other words, is serving your fellowman more important than being yourself served. God loves so much that He created a whole world for us to experience mortality. He cares about us. Should we not care for others? What religion teaches self-sacrifice to go serve others?
4. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
An amazing religion test is given to us by the apostle James of the New Testament. His confidence in his religion was so great that he trusted that God would answer your prayers directly to give you personal wisdom. What greater wisdom question is there than to know what religion is true? If you have Faith that God is real, then you must have faith that he loves you and wants you to choose the best path forward.
- 6 Ways Organized Religion Benefits Society - ThirdHour.com
- Why Religion Matters Even More: The Impact of Religious Practice on Social Stability
- Learn more at ComeUntoChrist.org
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