Religion Vs. Faith
“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’. I just finished reading Kathi Macias’ book “People of the Book“. What an eye opener it was for me to read what happens if you don’t have the ‘right 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.”
Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
Amen! This post is very timely. There are so many stories in the Bible where people were helped or save according to their faith and NOT Jesus directly. The woman with the issue of blood, Peter walking on water, the disciples feeding the 5,000, the man with the epileptic son, and the poor widow who was about out of oil. He says all it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed. Thanks for this!
tiannamae.blogspot.com
Amen Iris, Amen!
Enjoyed your reading your post…many many times I speak out “loud” sometimes even ” For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified…I reject feelings of sorrow, sadness, loneliness, rejection….I refuse to become one with them…scripture tells me to choose life that I might live…I choose joy, I choose happiness, I choose to know that He never leaves me nor forsakes me, I am accepted by the Blood of the Lamb into the greatest Kingdom of All kingdoms! Man would teach me through the “book learning” wink wink, that I am in denial but the carnal reasoning of natural man can never understand the ways and thoughts of our LORD…I’m thankful this morning for the “eyes of understanding” that he has opened for me spiritually. So enjoyed your post this morning! “Faith in the Power of God”…for whatever need I may have …not in self in any degree!
I get that too. People classify me as ‘religious’. I hate that and try to explain that I don’t have religion. I have a personal relationship with Jesus. But if your eyes are clouded, you won’t get that.
Religion is man’s attempt to get to God.
How thankful I am for God’s grace and mercy. The Gospel is a free gift of God to save us. Great post.
Blessings and love,
Debbie