True religion originates with God, manifesting in a life transformed by the Holy Spirit and characterized by genuine faith and dependence on Christ.
True religion is distinguished by its divine origin. It does not begin with human effort or free will but is a gracious work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the elect. True faith recognizes that salvation is entirely God's work, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9, which emphasizes that it is by grace we are saved through faith, not of ourselves. Those who possess true religion exhibit a genuine love for God and a heartfelt repentance, resulting in a life that bears spiritual fruit. The contrast with false religion, which is based on self-effort or human ideals, highlights the necessity of divine illumination and transformation.
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