RELIGION WEIGHED AND FOUND WANTING: Hebrews 9:19-22.

Man has been called a religious animal. The Encyclopedia of religion and ethics lists hundreds of ways in which men have tried to satisfy their religious longings and feelings.

They have worshipped the sun, moon, stars, animals, trees, human: earth, fire and water: idols of wood, stone and tree; fish, birds and other animals, today, men worship power, fame, politicians, musicians, artists, prophets, bishops, priests, money, materials and business.

They have worshipped countless gods and spirits which have been the products of their own perverted imagination. Others have attempted to worship the true God through a vast variety of sacrifices, ceremonies, sacraments, drama, music fiestas and other services. But 'religion', however sincere, can never solve man's sin problem, for at least three reasons.

1. Religion can never satisfy God: Religion is man's attempt to make himself right with God, but any such attempt is futile because man's best efforts are flawed and so are unacceptable to God. "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." God demands perfection: religion fails to meet the demand.

2. Religion can never remove sin: Your virtues can never cancel out your vices. Good deeds can never remove bad ones. If a person gets right with God it is not by works, so that no one can boast. No religious efforts or experience such as: confirmation, baptism, holy communion, churchgoing, prayers. Gifts, tithing, speaking in tongues, sacrifice of time, singing in the choir, being a famous national gospel singer, acting in Christian drama, being an ordained minister or deacon, preaching in the church, etc.

Efforts, Bible reading or anything can not cancel out a single sin.

3. Religion can never change man's sinful nature: A person's behaviour is not the problem, only the symptom. The heart of man's problem is the problem of man's heart, and by nature man's heart is corrupt and deprave.

Emotional intelligence can't purge it, DISC can't cleanse it, attending a coach class or surrendering to a mentor can't purge it, emulating a prominent philosopher or a model doesn't make you righteous; philosophy or psychology can't remove it; giving arms to people cant replace it; being recognized and honoured with the greatest human's awards can't make you godly; being nice, kind and loving aren't enough; being famous, popular and noted for being a major influential doesn't redeem your soul; being successful in career, profession or business aren't enough; morals and good characters, integrity, principles aren't substitute. Going to church and taking part in religious ceremonies may make you feel good, but they cannot make you good.

Some of the religious and moral activities mentioned above are obviously 'good' in themselves. For example, it is right to go to church, to read the Bible and pray, because God tells us to do these things.

But you dare not rely on them to make you right with God. Not only are they powerless to do so; trusting in them actually adds to your sin and to your condemnation. Whatever people say about you in newspaper, Facebook, LinkedIn, journals, Forbes magazines, CNN, opinion polls or followers are irrelevant if it contradicts what God has to say about you.

Don't imagine yourself to be greater than necessary, come to the Cross. Confess your secret and open sins to God. Cry for pardon and mercy. God knows you better. All the portraits and awards received cant make you right with God. They are mere men recognitions of your good works. Repent your sins and have a change of heart and the peace of God will settle in your heart. It is not about feeling, it is about faith. God bless.

Dotun Jegede, PhD

Location Pastor, Deeper Life Bible Church, Itun Igodo, Ode-Remo, Ogun State