Note 21 at Mt. 23:26: These scribes and Pharisees were only aware of external actions and ignorant of the issues of the heart. Religion (man trying to approach to God), will always differ with Christianity (God coming to man), in this respect. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).

Religion deals only with the actions of men because it is administered by man who is carnally minded. True Christianity goes to the very heart of a person. Jesus said if we would clean the inside of the cup and platter (i.e. our hearts), then the outside would be clean also (i.e. our actions). It is impossible to change a person in his heart and not have that change reflected in his actions (Prov. 23:7; Mt. 12:34).

One of religion's favorite messages is that if you will just act right, you will be right. Nothing could be further from the truth. You must be born again (Jn. 3:3-7). And if you are born again, then holiness is a by-product and not the way to a relationship with God (Rom. 6:22).