What is Religion?   

Religion has been defined by many sources, however from the Latin religio (respect for what is sacred) and religare (to bind, in the sense of an obligation).  The modern understanding of religion is a system of beliefs and practices that define what people consider to be sacred or spiritual.

Johnson, L. Ronald, 3rd Ed. Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion. Upper   Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.

The word ‘religion’ came into Eng. from the Vulg., where religio is in a 13th-century paraphrase of Jas. 1:26f. In Acts 26:5 it denotes Judaism (cf. Gal. 1:13f.). Here and in the Apocrypha, thrēskeia refers to the outward expression of belief, not the content, as when we contrast the Christian religion with Buddhism. RSV uses the word, however, in something approaching this sense in 1 Tim. 3:16, to translate Gk. eusebeia (AV ‘godliness’), and in 2 Tim. 3:5, where again our instinct would be to use the word ‘Christianity’. Because of the association of thrēskeia with Judaism, James’ use is probably ironical. The things which he calls the elements of ’thrēskeia that is pure and undefiled’ would not in the view of his opponents, who restricted it to ritual, have counted as thrēskeia at all.

Using the word ‘religion’ today either of the content of the Christian faith or of its expression in worship and service, is due to the conviction that Christianity is not simply one among many religions but differs from all others in that its content is divinely revealed and its outward expression by believers is not an attempt to secure salvation but a thank-offering for it.

J. B. Job, “Religion,” ed. D. R. W. Wood et al., New Bible Dictionary (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 1007.

There are different belief systems, including theism, deism, agnosticism, paganism and atheism.  Atheist believe they are non-religious however if religion is to bind others together with a set of beliefs as listed below, then we have to come to the conclusion all system of beliefs mention are of a religious nature.

1. A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. A specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

3. The body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

4. The practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

5. Something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.

According to these definitions, atheism can indeed be considered a religion.

                                                            What is Theology?

Theology originates from the Greek word  “theos” means God and “ology” means any science or branch of knowledge.  Its the study of God, as he has revealed himself in Jesus Christ and in Scripture.

1. Theology is based on God’s self-revelation; 2Ti 3:15-17 See also Ps 1:1-3; Ro 1:1-3; 15:4; 1Co 15:1-4; 2Pe 1:19

2. The benefits of theology are a concern for right teaching in the church Tit 2:1 

See also Heb 6:1-3

3. Theology also reinforces a deepened understanding of God; Ps 119:169 See also Ps 119:24; Ro 15:4; 2Ti 3:14-16

4.  Theology enhances spiritual illumination; Ps 119:130 See also Ps 119:105; 2Pe 1:19; 1Jn 2:8

5. Theology allows us access to the truth; Ps 33:4 See also Ps 119:43,160; Col 1:3-6; Rev 21:5

6.  Theology can be the  inspiration to meditation and praise; Ps 119:15-16 See also Jos 1:8; Ps 48:9; 56:4,10; 119:27,97-98,148; 143:5

Source:  Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

What is GOD's Grace:  God's grace is the qualities of God’s character by which he shows himself compassionate, accepting, and generous to sinful human beings, shielding them from his wrath, forgiving them, and bestowing on them his righteousness so that they can live and grow in faith and obedience. Grace and mercy are particularly expressed through God’s covenant with his chosen people and through Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross

God’s grace and mercy are always unearned and unmerited; Dt 7:7-8 See also Dt 9:5-6; Eze 36:22; Da 9:18; Ro 9:16; Eph 1:6; 2:8-9; 3:8; Tit 3:5

God’s grace and mercy are a source of blessing;Ge 21:1-2 See also Ge 33:11; 1Sa 2:21

God’s grace and mercy are expressed in the covenant relationshi; Jer 31:3 Hebrew “hesed” (translated as “love”, “loving-kindness”, “unfailing love”) expresses specifically the grace and mercy that underlie the covenant relationship. See also Ex 34:6; Dt 7:9,12; Ne 9:17; Ps 6:4; Isa 55:3; La 3:22,32

Salvation comes by grace; Tit 2:11 See also Mk 10:25-27 Jesus Christ’s words to his disciples; Ro 5:15; Eph 1:5-6; 2:8; 2Ti 1:9-10

This is ultimately shown in the cross of Jesus Christ Ro 3:24-25 See also Ro 5:8; Eph 1:7; Heb 2:9; 2Pe 1:10-11

Source: Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

                                                            The Types of Grace

 1. Prevenient Grace: Human beings are totally incapable of responding to God without God first empowering them to have  faith. This empowerment is known as "Prevenient Grace." Prevenient Grace doesn't save us but, rather,  comes before anything that we do, drawing us to God, making us WANT to come to God, and  enabling us to have faith in God. Prevenient Grace is Universal, in as much as all humans receive it,  regardless of their having heard of Jesus. It is manifested in the deep-seated desire of most humans to  know God. 

2. Justifying Grace: After we are drawn to God and enabled to respond, with faith, to the offered gift of Salvation, and -- most importantly -- when we actually say "yes" and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are  given "Justifying Grace," which wipes away our sin and incorporates us into the Body of Christ. This  is the point of "Full Regeneration," in which humans are returned to the state of Adam and Eve in the  Garden. It is sometimes referenced as that point and time in one's life when they are "saved." In  Justifying Grace we are judged to be "not guilty" of sins, even though we are VERY guilty and even  though we STILL commit sins. Jesus nevertheless forgives us our sins and, through His Grace ,we are  viewed by God as being as IF we were as righteous as Christ. 

3. Sanctifying Grace: Justification by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior doesn't end one's walk in  Grace, however. One hasn't "arrived" when one is saved. Justification is the point at which God judges  us "As IF we were Christ." The Perfection, the Righteousness, of Jesus is not yet PART of who we are,  even though we are viewed by God as IF we were righteous. Sanctifying Grace comes to make the  outward judgment of "Righteous" PART of who WE are. The Righteousness of Christ is, through our  openness to God's Grace, made an increasing part of WHO we are. We become MORE and MORE  like Jesus. In other words, the Love and Will of God in Jesus Christ is grafted into our lives and we  become more and more like Jesus. 

4. Perfection: While none of us can be perfect by our own ability or will, nevertheless we believe that through  Sanctifying Grace we are transformed into a greater and greater likeness of Christ Jesus. As we grow  in Sanctifying Grace, we approach the Will of God for us and, in Glory, we can trust that we will be in  total conformity with God's Will for us. We also believe, however, that through Sanctifying Grace we  are blessed by occasional moments, fleeting instances, of knowing and living in God's perfect Will.  

• Tithing
• Humanism
• God's Revelation