8784 nominal religion
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8700 Threats to the life of faith  »  8784 nominal religion

An outward show of piety which may appear to be very devout. However, the heart is far from God and this is confirmed by the person's attitudes and actions.

The nature of nominal religion

It has an appearance of devotion which masks an evil heart

Jeremiah 12:2 See also Proverbs 26:23; Isaiah 58:2; Ezekiel 33:31-32; Matthew 23:27-28

It is based on what human beings may think is right

Matthew 15:7-9 pp Mark 7:6-7 See also Isaiah 29:13

It becomes apparent by the actions of its adherents

Titus 1:16 See also Matthew 7:15-23; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 1 John 2:4

The insufficiency of nominal religion

1 Samuel 15:22 See also Isaiah 1:11-15; Amos 5:21-24; Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; Hosea 6:6

Those who practise nominal religion are condemned

Proverbs 15:8 See also Isaiah 66:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:1-5

See also

5173  outward appearance
5920  pretence
7550  Pharisees
8142  religion
8734  evil
8748  false religion
8767  hypocrisy
8774  legalism
8822  self-justification
8823  self-righteousness
8845  unfruitfulness
9210  judgment, God's



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