in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,
in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
(referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty.
And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.
Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts?
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.