Jesus and Religion

I believe that Satan’s goal in this world is three-fold:

Satan has succeeded in turning some of the great movements of God in this world to nothing more than mere manifestations of human religion. Jesus called Satan “…the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), and let me let you in on a little secret: At the heart of Satan’s world system today is, yep you probably guessed it, religion.

During the time of the upcoming dark period of time on this Earth call the tribulation, the second most powerful man in the world will be a religious leader who the Bible calls the ‘false prophet.’ We tend to think of God and spirituality as religion but at it’s heart, the Gospel, is utterly unlike the world’s religions or religious systems.

Sin

The sin of humanity represents the most basic dilemma.  Religion answers it one way, while the Gospel answers it in another way.  Some of today’s philosophical or religious systems say they do not believe in sin but instead define it in different ways.

Webster’s dictionary defines sin as an “…offense against religious or moral law.”  Having studied religious systems I find that religious leaders in those systems who avoid the word sin still teach that people break moral law, they just define it differently. The often say things like, “you don’t believe in yourself enough” or “you’re not being honest with yourself.” Many do hold various traditional moral standard such as regarding stealing as wrong.

The Bible defines sin as ‘missing the mark.’  Religions may monkey around with the standards but they all teach that humans miss the mark in various ways as there is no avoiding the dilemma of sin.  However, other religions generally have only one answer for sin and the is to ‘work.’

Religion

Religions tell followers how to change themselves.  They may teach their followers a new way of thinking or something they must personally start doing.  Religion tries to gain God’s approval by what we do.

Christianity is a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  It is through His finished work.

Religion is about what WE do.  Christianity is about what CHRIST has done.

Religion I based on the human conceit that we can so something to earn God’s acceptance. The Gospel says God offer forgiveness for your sin as a gift.  That gift comes on the basis that God has provided a substitute to bear the penalty for your sin. 

Cain and Able

This goes back to the story of Cain and Able.  Able approached God the true way. He brought the appointed animal sacrifice as the substitute to die for his sin.  Cain on the other hand came the way of the world’s system.  He brought the fruit of his own works.  Abel was accepted, and Cain was not.  God even reasoned with Cain and sought to get him to come the true way. “Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it”” Genesis 4:6-7.

Cain’s pride was inflamed. Rather than come by faith in God’s provision, he did what religion has been doing for centuries. He murdered the one who represented God’s truth.   Religion hates truth, because truth is a rebuke to man’s self-centered and pride. Some of the greatest human atrocities have been done in the name of false Christianity and religion.  The faith of Jesus completely different.

You Can Join The Family of God

We have the privilege of the full access to God right now along with his promise of eternal life.  Those are amazing privileges! Fortunately, for everyone it is not a closed club.  Anyone can join anytime.  That includes you!  Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ as opposed to religion?   It is no accident that you are reading this article.  The Bible says “For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

“…now is the day is the day of salvation.”  Our, your, God loves you and seeks that you join his family as a child of His.  It is time to free yourself from the shackles of religion and experience the freedom that only Jesus Christ can offer. 

How do I become saved, you ask?  It is so simple, and you can do it right now.  Just confess to God that you know you are a sinner and can never qualify for Heaven on your own, regardless of the amount of work that you do.  Believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, who died on your behalf to pay the penalty that you owe for your sins. Verbally ask God out loud to forgive your sins and that you accept Christ as the sacrifice for your sins.  Then simply accept this free gift of pardon that God offers you today. You can never earn it.  You can never qualify for it.  You can only receive and accept it.  When you do, you will join God’s eternal family.   I will see you in Heaven.

Did you pray a prayer of salvation today?