Recently I had a disheartening conversation with a close friend who had no conception of what it means to know and love Christ in a real way. This friend thought that by following a list of rules and regulations someone was following Christ. Though I do not know my friends heart it saddened me when it apeared that my friend had never experienced the life changing encounter with Jesus Christ that I have. Here are some excerpts from a recent comparison of the Gospel with Religion.
"Religion says, if I obey, God will love me. Gospel says, because God loves me, I can obey.
Religion has good people & bad people. Gospel has only repentant and unrepentant people.
Religion values a birth family. Gospel values a new birth.
Religion depends on what I do. Gospel depends on what Jesus has done.
Religion has the goal to get from God. Gospel has the goal to get God.
Religion sees hardships as punishment for sin. Gospel sees hardship as sanctified affliction.
Religion is about me. Gospel is about Jesus.
Religion believes appearing as a good person is the key. Gospel believes that being honest is the key.
Religion has an uncertainty of standing before God. Gospel has certainty based upon Jesus' work.
Religion sees Jesus as the means. Gospel sees Jesus as the end.
Religion ends in pride or despair. Gospel ends in humble joy."
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