Is God really the one who invented the idea of religion, or is it strictly a manmade gesture?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Shouldn’t we accept that all religions seek to worship a higher power? Is God really the one who invented the idea of religion, or is it strictly a manmade gesture? – O.R.
A: Let’s go back to the beginning. Two altar fires outside Eden illustrate the difference between true and false religion. One belonged to Abel, who made an offering to the Lord God from the firstborn of his flock. Abel acted in love, adoration, humility, reverence, and obedience. And the Bible says that the Lord held Abel and his offering in high regard. His older brother, Cain, brought a bloodless, cheap offering to the altar. The Bible says of God that “for Cain and his offering he had no regard” (Genesis 4:5, ESV). Abel’s sacrifice was prophetic – looking ahead to God’s greatest sacrifice – offering His only Son to shed His blood to cover the sins of the world.
Humanistic religion emerges under the very noses of great men of God. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the tablets of stone “written with the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18, NKJV), false religion was erupting in the camp of Israel. The people said to Aaron, “Come, make us a god who will go before us” (Exodus 32:1, NASB). Aaron was carried along with the idea of a new religion and said, “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me” (Exodus 32:2, NASB). Out of this gold, he made a molten calf, and the people said, “This is your god, Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4, NASB).
Throughout time, other idolatrous beliefs have eroded the foundations of truth. Whether ancient or modern, all have posed alternatives to the Biblical way of approaching God. People may devise plans to satisfy their inner longings, but in the midst of all the “religions” of the world, God’s way is available for all who will come to Him on His terms, just as the Bible says.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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