13 Bible Verses about Useless Religion

If anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, this person is self-deceived and his religion is worthless.

[and] you have been saved by it also, if you hold on to it firmly [i.e., continue believing and practicing it]. For if you do not [hold on to it firmly], you will have believed [it] all for nothing.

But I am whatever I am because of God's unearned favor, and the favor He showed me was not for nothing [i.e., Paul made the most of his conversion by being extra diligent in his service to God]. But I worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I, but God's favor on me [that accomplished it].

What good is it, my brothers [and sisters], if a person says he has faith but does not have [good] deeds? Can such faith save him?

In the same way, if [your] faith does not have [good] deeds [to accompany it], it is dead, [because it stands] alone.

But will you acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without [good] deeds is useless?

And if Christ has not been raised up, then our preaching is for nothing, and your faith is for nothing too.

[In doing this] I am not trying to disregard God's unearned favor, for if a person could become right with God by [perfect obedience to the requirements of] the law of Moses, then Christ died for nothing.

And if Christ has not been raised up, [then] your faith is for nothing; you are still condemned by your sins.

For Christ did not send me to immerse people, but to preach the good news. [Note: Christ specifically commissioned Paul to preach; most of the immersing was done by his attendants]. It was not to be done with words of [human] wisdom, so that the [message of the] cross of Christ would not have its power taken away.

They are worshiping me for nothing [because they are] teaching principles that are [merely] the requirements of men.'"

They are worshiping me for nothing because they are teaching principles which are [merely] the requirements of men.'

As workers together with God we urge you also, who have received God's unearned favor, do not allow it to be for nothing,