Religion v Gospel? -- Not Really

I came across a blog called Without Void that had a copy of thoughts from Tim Keller on Religion v Gospel. I then did an internet search and found this same list in various forms on many blogs and websites. It is quite popular and accepted. But it raises a question: When did religion become a foe of the gospel? The problem is that we have lost sight of the biblical understanding of religion.

The ESV has these verses in which the translators used the word religion:

Acts 25:19
Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.
Acts 26:5
They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.
Colossians 2:23
These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
James 1:26-27
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Notice that biblical religion is nothing more than carrying out the duty expected to properly honor God and is to be manifest in both personal and public spheres. Also consider that the beneficiary of true religion is not the practitioner but the recipient of the religious deed.


Getting back to the list then, Brother Keller has compared living according to works with living according to the gospel. That is admirable and useful. But do not call that thing opposing the gospel "religion." Rather it is a self-seeking aberration of the works that should properly accompany salvation. The deeds are performed as an end unto themselves with no thought of them being offered in a way that pleases the Lord.  Call it what it is -- self-righteous legalism.