Christianity is not a religion
Christianity is not a religion
The definition of religion is: What we DO to gain God’s favor. Religion is spelled “D-O.” It consists of trying to DO enough things to somehow please God, earn forgiveness, and deserve entrance into heaven.
The problem with religion is that it falsely promises that somehow we have the ability in and of ourselves to DO ENOUGH or to become GOOD ENOUGH to be acceptable to God. Religion ends up merely compelling us to prove our GOODNESS to God (and those around us). We DO less of one thing; we DO more of something else—then we compare ourselves to those we think are good and condemn in our hearts those we think are bad.
All the religions of the world are defined by attaining knowledge, following rules, and completing rituals for the advancement of self-righteousness. Baha’í, Islam, Kabbalah, Scientology—all the religions of the world are all based upon self-effort to become more spiritual, and self-improvement to become more moral.
The problem is: we can never know when our efforts are enough!
Jesus comes because the “D-O” plan cannot bring us peace with God—and cannot even bring us true peace with ourselves.
Christianity is a relationship
Christianity, however, is spelled “D-O-N-E.” In other words, that which we could never DO ourselves, Christ has already DONE for us. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our wrongdoings, and now He freely offers us His gift of forgiveness and leadership in our lives.
But it’s not enough to simply know this. We have to humbly receive what Christ has DONE for us. The one who gains God’s favor is the one who humbles himself before God, acknowledging his sin with a broken and contrite heart, desperate for God’s acceptance and forgiveness, saying “YES” to the mercy of Jesus Christ.
Here is the Gospel: We become righteous (brought into a right relationship with God—made good) by grace (God’s Redemption At Christ’s Expense). God has DONE a great thing for us in Christ. What we DO is receive this amazing grace through faith. If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are not so concerned with my words as you are with the attitude of my heart. I humbly acknowledge my sin and that I need you. Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for all my wrongdoings. I open the door of my life and receive You as the Forgiver of my sins, the Healer of my soul, and the Leader of my life. Thank You for giving me new life—now and forever. Please, fill me with your Holy Spirit, and transform me into the person You want me to be for your honor and glory. AMEN.
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