The Origin Of False Religion And The Revelation Of True Religion
Whereas the second chapter of Genesis describes the garden of Eden before sin entered into the world, the third chapter marks out the events leading to sin entering the world. There are three parts to the chapter: (1-6) The entrance of sin into the world—of the angelic hosts and the human race; (7-13) The origin of false religion—unregenerate sinners are under the authority of the covenant of works, subject to its curse, as they are conceived in sin and shaped in iniquity. False religion is the attempt of sinners to make themselves right with God according to the terms of the Covenant of Works. Hiding one’s sins, hiding from the presence of God and self-justification/righteousness are indicators of false religion. (14-24) The Revelation of True Religion—regenerate sinners are under the authority of the covenant of grace, subject to its blessings, as they are born again by the effectual power of the Holy Spirit. True religion is the accomplishment of God on behalf on sinners, to make them right with Himself. It is based upon a gracious covenant drawn up by the Persons of the Godhead from eternity: the electing love of God the Father, the redeeming grace of God the Son and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. This saving grace was administered by God to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
There are many of the Lord’s people who are “scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd.” Some are alone and isolated. Others live near each other, but cannot find a local church to join. In time, these poor dejected souls become accustomed to their deprivation of church life, landing them in a dry and thirsty land, surviving on “locusts and scratching the earth for water.”
To meet this need, I have started preparing online worship services. While the alone and isolated believer should find encouragement and edification through this provision, it is hoped those believers who live near each other will be prompted to organize themselves into new churches. Where two or three of the Lord’s people are gathered together in His name, there is He in the midst of them. In such circumstances, it is likely the new churches will be without a preacher. They may therefore continue following these online worship services, in lieu of a preacher, until the Lord is pleased to supply the vacancy. Nevertheless, even if a group of believers choose to not organize themselves into a church, I pray they will use the online services and find enrichment to their souls through the worship of God and gospel edification.
Jared Smith
Jared Smith served twenty years as pastor of a Strict and Particular Baptist church in Kensington (London, England). He now serves as an Evangelist in the Philippines, preaching the gospel, organizing churches and training gospel preachers.
Jared Smith's Online Worship Services
Jared Smith's Sermons
Jared Smith on the Gospel Message
Jared Smith on the Biblical Covenants
Jared Smith on the Gospel Law
Jared Smith on Bible Doctrine
Jared Smith on Bible Reading
Jared Smith's Hymn Studies
Jared Smith on Eldership
Jared Smith's Studies In Genesis
Jared Smith's Studies in Romans
Jared Smith on Various Issues
Jared Smith, Covenant Baptist Church, Philippines
Jared Smith's Maternal Ancestry (Complete)
