Note 21 at Mt 23:26: These scribes and Pharisees were only aware of external actions and were ignorant of the issues of the heart. Religion (man trying to approach 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" (1Sa 16:7).

Religion deals only with the actions of people because it is administered by carnally minded people. True Christianity goes to the very hearts of people. Jesus said if people would clean the inside of the cup and platter (i.e., their hearts), then the outside would be clean also (i.e., their actions). It is impossible to change people in their hearts and not have that change reflected in their actions (Pr 23:7 and 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 (Joh 3:3-7). And if you are born again, then holiness is a byproduct of, and not the way to, a relationship with God (Ro 6:22).