Not Religious
“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
~ 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)
Have you ever had people label you as religious? I have, often. I always cringe when I hear the word ‘religion’; the word actually leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
In the name of religion many wars have started; many innocent people have been slaughtered because of ‘religion’. Jesus himself was very clear about that religion does not save you from eternal damnation (read Matthew 23). You see, religion is man-made with all its rules and regulation.
Faith is very different from religion; I try to explain that to people when they ask me about my religion. I don’t have religion; I put my trust in Jesus. I truly believe that He is the only One Who can redeem me.
It is hard to explain that only one thing is needed to be saved. Many people believe that they have to earn their way to heaven; unfortunately some Christians believe that too. It can’t be that easy to be saved, can it? My sweet friend, only one thing is needed: trusting Jesus (or as Muslims call Him “Isa”) and His redemptive work on the Cross. His blood was shed once and for all; no religion is required.
“Lord of Heaven and Earth; thank You for the redemptive work on the Cross. Your precious blood was shed so that we can be with You in heaven forever and ever. Lord, help us to have faith and not religion. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.”
Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
Great word!! Yes it’s about our relationship not a religion. Many will be surprised that they put their faith in the wrong thing.