25 Bible Verses About Religion (With Commentary)
Religion is a significant aspect of our lives, it guides our actions, beliefs, and values. As a Christian, the Bible is our foundation and source of wisdom when it comes to navigating our faith.
Today, we will explore and reflect on some of the verses in the Bible that speak about religion, its importance, and how it applies to our lives as Christians. So read on and discover the powerful words of scripture that can help us deepen our understanding of religion.
Bible Verses About Religion
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse is one of the most well-known and cherished verses in the Bible. It emphasizes that God’s love for the world prompted him to send Jesus Christ, his only Son, to offer salvation and eternal life to all who believe in him. It reminds us that a foundational aspect of religion is recognizing and accepting God’s love and the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
This verse highlights the importance of reverent awe and respect for God as the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom. It recognizes that a vital aspect of religion is acknowledging God’s supremacy and seeking to understand and follow his ways. The verse also warns against rejecting wisdom and instruction, suggesting that without the fear of the Lord, one cannot truly attain knowledge.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
James emphasizes that true religion is not merely about rituals and external acts of worship, but it encompasses living a life of compassion and purity. This verse highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, as a reflection of God’s heart. It also underscores the need to maintain moral purity and avoid being influenced by the corrupt values of the world.
Matthew 22:37-39
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
In this passage, Jesus sums up the essence of religion by emphasizing the importance of love. He highlights the greatest commandment, which is to love God wholeheartedly, and the second commandment, which is to love one’s neighbor as oneself. This verse teaches that religion is not just about external actions but about cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with God and expressing that love through compassionate interactions with others.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living a counter-cultural life as a religious person. It challenges believers not to conform to the values and behaviors of the world but to pursue transformation through the renewal of their minds. By aligning their thoughts and attitudes with God’s Word, they can discern and follow his perfect will for their lives.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse offers encouragement to those who put their faith and trust in the Lord. It assures believers that as they maintain hope in God, he will provide them with renewed strength and enable them to endure and overcome the challenges of life. This verse highlights the role of religion in providing solace and empowerment amidst difficulties.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
In this verse, Jesus encourages his followers to prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. He reassures them that if they wholeheartedly seek God’s will, he will provide for their needs. This verse implies that religion involves seeking God’s purposes and aligning one’s priorities with his, trusting in his provision and guidance.
Psalm 46:10
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”
This verse encourages believers to find quietness and stillness before God, acknowledging his sovereignty and exaltation. It reminds them that religion involves recognizing God’s authority and allowing him to work in their lives and in the world. This verse underscores the importance of contemplation and surrender in one’s religious journey.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse lists the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which exemplify the character and values of a religious person. It emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit by producing attributes such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities reflect the internal transformation that occurs through religious experiences.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
In this verse, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, promising to be with him wherever he goes. This verse highlights the role of religion in instilling faith and confidence in God’s presence and guidance. It encourages believers to trust in God’s promises and not be hindered by fear or discouragement as they navigate life’s challenges.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Paul’s declaration in this verse affirms his unwavering trust in Christ’s empowerment to overcome any circumstance. It highlights religion’s transformative potential by relying on God’s strength and grace to accomplish all things. This verse encourages believers to have a mindset of reliance on God’s power, recognizing that through him, they can face any challenge or obstacle.
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
This verse presents a central aspect of religion, which is the belief that Jesus is the means by which humans can have a relationship with God. It asserts that Jesus is the exclusive path to salvation and eternal life, emphasizing the necessity of faith in him. This verse highlights the unique place of Jesus in religious beliefs and practices.
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
David’s proclamation in this verse portrays God as a loving and caring shepherd, providing for and guiding his people. It emphasizes a relationship between God and his followers, highlighting the intimate aspect of religion. This verse reveals the trust and contentment that comes from recognizing God’s provision and care in one’s religious journey.
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Jesus encourages his followers to be persistent in seeking God and to trust in his willingness to answer prayers. This verse demonstrates the importance of prayer and relational communication in religious practices. It teaches believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that he invites them to seek him and promises to respond.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse affirms God’s sovereignty and his ability to work all things for the good of those who love him. It reassures believers that even in the midst of trials and challenges, God can bring about a purposeful and redemptive outcome. This verse highlights the importance of faith and trust in God’s providence within the context of religion.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Paul’s statement in this verse emphasizes the transformative power of a relationship with Christ. It highlights the concept of spiritual rebirth and renewal that occurs through religious experiences. This verse speaks to the personal transformation that takes place when one becomes a follower of Jesus and the significance of this change within the context of religion.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse teaches believers to find their ultimate joy and fulfillment in the Lord. It suggests that when one’s focus is on delighting in God and aligning their desires with his, he will grant them the desires of their hearts. This verse implies that religion involves finding satisfaction and contentment in a deep and intimate relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Paul’s instruction in this verse emphasizes that every aspect of life can be an opportunity for religious expression and worship. It encourages believers to live their lives in a way that brings glory to God, recognizing that even mundane tasks can have spiritual significance. This verse highlights the importance of integrating faith and religious practices into every aspect of one’s life.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse underscores the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation in the religious journey. It encourages believers to reflect God’s character by showing kindness and forgiveness to others, recognizing the forgiveness they themselves have received through Christ. This verse speaks to the transformative effect of religion by promoting a lifestyle of love and reconciliation.
Hebrews 10:25
“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of corporate worship and fellowship within the religious context. It encourages believers to gather together regularly for the purpose of mutual encouragement and support. This verse highlights the communal aspect of religion, recognizing the valuable role of fellow believers in building up and strengthening one’s faith.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Paul’s instruction in this verse challenges believers to approach their work and daily activities with dedication and excellence, considering it as an act of service to God. It highlights the integration of religious principles and values into one’s professional and mundane responsibilities. This verse prompts believers to view their work as an opportunity for religious devotion and expression.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
Peter’s exhortation in this verse emphasizes the call for believers to pursue holiness in their thoughts, actions, and attitudes. It underscores the transformative nature of religion by encouraging believers to reflect God’s holiness in every aspect of their lives. This verse challenges believers to live in a way that sets them apart from the world, following God’s example of holiness.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Jesus’ words in this verse emphasize the importance of living a life that bears witness to one’s religious faith. It encourages believers to shine the light of their faith through their good deeds, pointing others to God and bringing him glory. This verse underscores the transformative impact of religion by demonstrating the positive influence believers can have on those around them.
What Does the Bible Say About Religion?
The Bible does not specifically use the word “religion” in the way we understand it today. However, it does provide guidance on how we are to relate to God and others. In James 1:27, it says that “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This verse emphasizes that true religion is not just about rituals and rules, but it’s about caring for those in need and living a life that reflects God’s love and holiness.
In addition, the Bible warns against empty religious practices and hypocrisy. In Matthew 23, Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for their outward show of piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This teaches us that true religion is not merely about outward appearances or following certain traditions, but it’s about sincerity, humility, and genuine love for God and others.
Moreover, the Bible teaches that our relationship with God is not based on our own efforts or religious acts, but it is a result of God’s grace and our faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This reminds us that our salvation is not achieved through religious rituals or works, but through the gift of God’s grace and our response of faith.
Overall, the Bible invites us to practice a true and genuine faith that prioritizes love for others, sincerity, and humility, rather than being focused on empty religious rituals or self-righteousness. Our relationship with God is not a result of our own efforts, but a response to God’s grace and an expression of genuine faith in Christ.
