This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, in continent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.There are two key words we want to look at as we begin to answer your question. They are "form" and "godliness." The word "form" is translated from the Greek word "morphosis," which means appearance.
(2 Tim. 3:1-5 KJV)
The word "godliness" is translated from the Greek word "eusebeia." This word is referring to the opposite of religion and means "to have a real vital relationship with God and to direct your worship to God." The Bible is talking about people that in appearance, not in heart, are having a relationship with God. They do this by performing all kinds of good things.
One thing is missing however; they deny the power of godliness or relationship with God. The power that they deny is relationship with God. This relationship comes through belief in the Gospel, which causes us to become children of God, have our sins washed away, and receive eternal life, thus coming into relationship with God.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16 KJV).
Being religious isn't enough to make a person godly. We must put our trust in Jesus and allow His blood to cleanse us (John 1:1-14; Rom. 10:8-17).
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