Formalism in Religion
Dictionary of Illustrations
2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.


A gentleman once entered a hall with his son. They saw a number of well-dressed people — some of them standing together in groups, others apart; some sitting in various postures. The son's attention was fixed by a pleasant-looking gentleman, somewhat gaudily dressed. He said, "Father, who is that gentleman? He seems a mild, pleasant looking person; but what a singular dress he wears! Who is he?" "Ask the gentleman who stands near you," said the father. "If you please, sir, can you inform me who that gentleman opposite is?" No answer. The boy thinks it strange. At last the father tells him, "My son, those are only wax figures: there is no life in them; they are all outside, very fair to look at, but there is no soul, no life: they are outside and nothing else." So it is with those who have no internal religion.

(Dictionary of Illustrations.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

WEB: holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also.




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