Nominal religion

An outward show of piety which may appear to be very devout. However, the heart is far from God and this is confirmed by the person's attitudes and actions.

The nature of nominal religion

It has an appearance of devotion which masks an evil heart

Jeremiah 12:2 See also Proverbs 26:23; Isaiah 58:2; Ezekiel 33:31–32; Matthew 23:27–28

You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.

It is based on what human beings may think is right

Matthew 15:7–9 parallel Mark 7:6–7 See also Isaiah 29:13

You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”

It becomes apparent by the actions of its adherents

Titus 1:16 See also Matthew 7:15–23; 1 Timothy 1:3–7; 1 John 2:4

They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.

The insufficiency of nominal religion

1 Samuel 15:22 See also Isaiah 1:11–15; Amos 5:21–24; Matthew 9:13, Matthew 12:7; Hosea 6:6

But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.

Those who practise nominal religion are condemned

Proverbs 15:8 See also Isaiah 66:3–4; 2 Timothy 3:1–5

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.