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
