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Answer
A pilgrimage is a journey made to a place considered sacred as an act of religious devotion. Muslims are required, if possible, to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, the birthplace of Muhammad. This pilgrimage is part of their religious duty as Muslims and a way of ensuring paradise for themselves. Christianity does not have such requirements. In fact, any act done to ensure eternal life for ourselves is incorrect—this includes making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Many Christians dream of visiting Israel to see the places mentioned in Scripture. Visiting Bethlehem, the temple ruins, and the empty tomb can be spiritually impactful. With the convenience of modern transportation, such a trip is achievable for many, and thousands of people travel to the Holy Land every year. However, some view their journey to Jerusalem as a “pilgrimage,” similar to a Muslim’s journey to Mecca. When we perceive a visit to Jerusalem in that manner, we are stepping into spiritually dangerous territory. When we add or subtract anything from the completed work of Christ in securing our salvation, we are distorting the gospel (Romans 3:20;Galatians 2:16;Titus 3:5). A pilgrimage to Jerusalem will not alter our standing with God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Several factors should be considered when deciding whether to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem:
1. Finances. Depending on where a person lives, the trip can be expensive. Travel costs, accommodation, meals, souvenirs, guides, and additional excursions are all factors to consider.Excursions can accumulate a significant bill. If a journey to Jerusalem would result in debt or require funds that are needed elsewhere, then such a trip may not be a prudent choice. Before organizing a visit to Jerusalem, a thoughtful Christian should seek guidance from the Lord on whether this is the way He intends for the money to be used. Could those funds be more effectively utilized to help others know Him?
Motive is crucial. Individuals have varying motivations for wanting to visit Israel. Regrettably, many who identify as Christians view a pilgrimage to Jerusalem as a means of drawing closer to God, rather than by obeying His directives to repent, be baptized, and lead holy lives (Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 1:15). If the purpose of the journey is to gain a deeper understanding of Scripture or to experience the places where Jesus and the patriarchs once walked, then it can be a valuable experience. However, if the goal is to acquire grace or improve one’s standing with God, then priorities must be realigned before such a trip can be beneficial.
The spiritual significance of relics is worth considering. Humans have a tendency toward idolatry. Unfortunately, many who claim to be Christians can turn relics believed to be part of Christian history into idols. There is often a frenzy when a fragment of Peter’s boat, the skull of a saint, or a similar object is reportedly found, drawing millions seeking a glimpse or a touch. Attributing spiritual power to physical objects is superstitious and incorrect. If we are inclined to such idolatry, even towards items or locations presumed to be associated with Jesus, a pilgrimage to Jerusalem could become little more than an extended act of idol worship. Trinkets, stones, or wood pieces claimed to be from the cross are frequently acquired and venerated in their own shrines where people pay homage to them. While certain religions may engage in this practice more than others, we are all susceptible to idolizing objects rather than focusing on the divine.Rather than reserving all our worship for the invisible God, those who touch objects or visit ruins as a means of growing closer to God may need to reexamine their understanding of salvation before making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (see 2 Corinthians 13:5).
For reasons unknown to us, God chose the tiny nation of Israel through which to bring salvation to the world. Jerusalem is mentioned throughout Scripture as a place near to the heart of God and a city that plays a significant part in His future earthly kingdom (Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:2-3). Those who love Jesus and His Word naturally have an interest in Israel and especially Jerusalem, so a desire to visit those places is understandable. If the trip is financially wise, the reasons are sound, and idolatry is not an issue, then planning a trip to Jerusalem can be an exciting adventure. But it need never be considered a religious pilgrimage.
