Man made religion is powerless to save sinners. It cannot provide forgiveness of sin, peace with God, and eternal life. Yet so many people are enslaved to external religion.
External religion strives to achieve spirituality by means of human effort. Whether it’s church, attendance, good work, or spiritual discipline, these are all works performed by human effort. While not all these things are bad. However, if people do these things thinking that they can save them or somehow contribute to their salvation and spirituality, they are deceived. It is sad to see such trappings have infiltrated church since the first century.
In the New Testament, Paul against the Judaizers who insisted believers must adopt Mosaic law, keep Jewish customs, and undergo circumcision to be saved (Philippians 3:2). In his letter to the Colossians, he argued against the error that was cheating them out of their sufficiency in Jesus (Colossians 2:8).
“Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision” -Philippians 3:2
“Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Messiah” -Colossians 2:8
And when Paul wrote to Timothy, he described those who add various teachings to the scripture as those who are devoted to “deceitful spirits and teaching of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).
There are many more examples of scripture that can be provided concerning the warning against external religion. And we could examine church history as the example after example of this issue.
Paul had great passion and consistency when he warned against external religion. It is because it cannot save. Salvation he is by grace alone. And in Jesus alone, in our faith alone.
External religion is weak, helpless, and impotent. If anyone is going to receive forgiveness of their sin, a relationship and fellowship with God is the only way.
I don’t have anything against religion or church. But we need to ask ourselves: Is the one standing at the altar speaking the true Word of God? Or is it about rules and rituals?
If anyone is going to receive forgiveness for their sins and peace with God in eternal life, they must trust in Jesus alone. 
