Christianity Explained: A Way of Life, Not a Religion

What Do We Mean by “Religion”?

By definition, religion is a personal set or institutionalized system of beliefs, attitudes, and practices (Merriam-Webster). Religion typically involves belief in a superior god who must be worshiped with acts of reverence. The underlying idea is that these actions place you in a position of acceptance or advantage with that god.

Even the etymology of the word “religion” (from its French and Latin roots) carries the sense of bondage, ritual, and duty.

At first glance, this might sound like Christianity: service to God, rituals, and practices that show devotion. But here’s the key question -

• Does praying, fasting, reading your Bible, or living “holy” make you a Christian?

• Does simply believing in God make you a Christian?

The answer is no.

What Makes Someone a Christian?

The word Christian first appears in Acts 11. It means “of the party of Christ.” Believers were called Christians not because of rituals, but because their belief system was different.

Christianity is not about what you do but about what you believe and accept:

• Believing Jesus died for our sins.

• Accepting His sacrifice so we can be saved from the destruction we deserve.

• Being delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s Son.

• Being reunited with the God who loves us through the bridge that Jesus created for us.

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Romans 10:10 shows us that salvation involves both believing with the heart and confessing with the mouth. That confession is your pledge of allegiance to Christ—your passport indicating you are a citizen of God’s Kingdom.

Christianity is not a religion because it’s not about what you do—it’s about who you are in Christ.

As a Christian, you are a part of Christ; you enter into a oneness with Him because you have identified with His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension for You.

Practices vs. Relationship: The Heart Matters

So how do we reconcile the idea that Christianity is not a religion, yet we pray, fast, give, and attend church?

The difference lies in the heart and mindset:

• Do you do these things to prove you are a Christian?

• Or do you do them because you are a Christian?

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God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Outward actions may look similar, but the motivation distinguishes genuine faith from empty religion.

“Going to church doesn’t make me a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes me a car.” – Joyce Meyer

A Medical Example

A certified medical provider will go through the rigors of training and certification, typically because of an underlying desire to help people fight sickness, and they get rewarded for it.

An impostor or con artist will advertise themselves and see patients to create an impression that they are a certified medical provider for the sole purpose of being rewarded.

Same actions. Different hearts.

One loves the people and gets rewarded, while the other is just seeking the reward.

Transformation, Not Ritual

A Christian is a person who does things to and for God out of love for God because they have been changed and their heart is turned towards God. I am kind to people not because God requires it of me but because kindness flows through me as a fruit of the spirit.

When you become a Christian, something deeper happens—transformation.

• Your heart turns toward God.

• Your actions flow out of love, not duty.

• Prayer, fasting, Bible study, and generosity are no longer about earning God’s acceptance but about aligning with who He has already recreated you to be.

  
  

A Christian lives life as an act of worship, not just isolated actions of worship.

A Word to Christians

If your walk with God has been about performance—doing things to be accepted by Him—it’s time to shift perspective.

• Pray because you want to spend time with Him.

• Read your Bible because you want to know Him better.

• Go to church because you want to fellowship with others and grow.

• Give because you want to see His Kingdom advance.

Do it all because He first loved you (1 John 4:19).

A Word to Non-Christians

If you want nothing to do with religion, then, Christianity is for you. It’s not about rituals—it’s about a relationship with God.

Jesus loved you so much that He died for you, to restore the connection you were created for. Whether you believe it or not, God loves you.

Accept Him. Believe in Him. Step into a new way of life that flows from love, not from lifeless duty.

I love you,

Oyin.