Monday, January 13, 2020
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Matthew 15:8
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Religion and Relationship – The Difference
The world often views Christianity as a set of rules to follow that add up to no fun in life. If we are not careful, our Christian walk can turn into religion – just going through the motions – over having a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Religion is believing that going through all the motions, beliefs, and rituals will automatically put us in a right relationship with God. To some, it is a set of rules to observe in order to go to heaven. When we only follow rules and produce “works” for Him but don’t give Him our heart, we have religion without relationship. Some common signs of religion are:
- We can work our way into heaven by doing good things and following rules.
- Our “works” will earn us a reward from God
- Religion takes pride in accomplishments
- Power comes from our own self determination
Salvation Through Grace
The Bible tells us that there is nothing we can do to make ourselves right with God – All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 God’s love for us is not based on our efforts or abilities – thank goodness! Jesus Christ is the only perfect person that ever lived and the only one who could ever measure up and be worthy enough to earn God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness. God’s love for us is only based on His amazing grace. He did for us what we could never do for ourselves – no matter how hard we try. For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 We are sinful, and a price had to be paid for our sins, but because He loves us so much, He took our punishment upon Himself. We only have to accept the gift of Salvation He offers to all. His grace and love for us bring us into a relationship with Him. That is what Christianity is all about, and it is the opposite of religion. He gives grace and forgiveness – His blessing undeserved. His grace and our faith – not our own works – brings us salvation in Christ. He loves us enough to redeem us and deliver us from death. In return He just wants our heart and when we truly give our heart, the rest will follow.
For it is by
grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is
the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
