Chapter III:4: Definition of “Religion”

Our AUTHOR gives here an elegant Definition of Religion, which Paul supplied in Titus 1:1, 2, when he describes the Faith of the Elect as the Knowledge of the Truth, which is according to Piety in hope of Eternal Life, etc. The parts of this are so closely connected to each other that they are not able to be separated, and that each spontaneously flows from the other. Indeed, the Knowledge of God leads to the Worship/Service of God, in comparison with Jeremiah 10:6, 7. The Worship/Service of God leads to Salvation, Isiah 45:19; Psalm 19:11; 1 Timothy 4:8. Now, the Salvation of man more than all other things makes for the Glory of God, revealed in the consummated salvation of man in the most illustrious manner, and to be acknowledged and celebrated by blessed men in the most perfect manner, Romans 9:23; Revelation 19:7, 8. Whence it is not strange that God also wills to be glorified in His Saints in that day, 2 Thessalonians 1:10, whose Salvation requires the Worship/Service of God, since without Holiness no one is going to see God, Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 12:47, 48. But the Worship/Service agreeable and pleasing to God no one is able to furnish without the right Knowledge of worshipping/serving God and of His will, Psalm 119:9; Matthew 15:9; Colossians 2:23.