Three things that commonly pass as true religion
3 things that people often mistake for true Christianity, according to Henry Scougal, author of "The Life of God in the Soul of Man":
- Intellectual assent. An mental commitment to belief, often to a particular denomination or strain of theology.
- Pious activity. Regular church going, or pious and charitable acts.
- Emotional response. An fervent, emotionally charged adoration of God in response to the consideration of his goodness.
What's the real deal? A vital principle, the divine life implanted in your soul; the likeness of Christ being formed in you. The things that accompany it (belief, action, love) should not be mistaken for the principle cause - namely new birth; the enlivening presence of the Holy Spirit of God.
