Breaking Free from Religious Bondage
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Apr 17, 2023
- 2 min read
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:28)
The Jewish believers in Paul's day were struggling with the concept of justification by faith. They were accustomed to following the law and adhering to the religious traditions of their forefathers. In the same way, many of us today struggle with letting go of certain religious customs or traditions that have been ingrained in us since childhood.
When I was young, one of those nonbiblical religious doctrines was a prohibition against going to any kind of movie. Going to any movie was a sin and some spoke of it as if it could send a person to hell!
Many years ago, I was speaking at a pastor’s church, who was the most prominent faith-based black pastor in America. My wife and I were staying at his house, and he suddenly said, “Let’s go to a movie.” I was shocked! I didn’t know what to say, but I was a young pastor and couldn’t believe that one of my elders was saying to do this! But I trusted him, and we went. That night I got freed from religious bondage that held me captive. Religious traditions not found in the Word can be burdensome and limit our freedom in Christ.
While there are certain things that we should not expose ourselves to, such as movies that promote sinful behavior, it’s important to distinguish between what is truly harmful and what is simply a religious tradition or preference. Ask the Holy Spirit before you buy tickets to a movie and do what He says!
Align your beliefs and practices with the truth of God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, rather than blindly following religious customs or your personal preferences.
Practical Application
What religious practices were you raised in that you can't find in Scripture? Allow the Holy Spirit to break the bondage of religious doctrines and follow the Word and the direction of the Holy Spirit.
