When I use the word religion, I’m referring to any belief system, persuasion, conviction, affiliation, denomination, order, or sect where certain law requirements, and/or sacrificial practices are set forth and expected to be followed in order to stay in good standing with that particular organization.
When I use the word grace, I’m referring to God’s unmerited favor towards man where God does all the work and by believing that work, one is justified and receives His free gift.
According to the Bible, God created one nation which was also one religion. Israel. Ironically, it was by His grace alone that he selected Abraham from among the nations and gave him a promise, (Gen 12:1-4). Abraham simply believed God, (Rom 4:3) That is the grace-exchange in action!
Over time, as Abraham’s family grew, God instituted covenants, and then laws, which included blessings when Israel kept them but curses when they didn’t; sometimes the punishment was DEATH! Israel’s pride and righteousness came by following the law and they agreed to do it all.
And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us. Deut 6:24-25
And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. Exodus 19:8
Is it just me? Would you ever, in your right mind agree to do something you know is impossible? And yet, Israel said they would obey and keep the law. Of course, God was gracious and made provision with certain animal sacrifices that would bring them back into right standing with Him when they sinned.
God even warned his people in Deuteronomy 30:19 after clearly laying out His high standards: I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
We know now that the law was simply a schoolmaster that would eventually bring everyone to Christ who kept it perfectly for us. The Bible says He fulfilled all the law and is the end of the law for all those who believe in His work alone, (Gal 3:24, Luke 24:44, Rom 10:4).
Rom 3:19-28
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Religion brings death. Grace gives life.
Trying to follow rules, regulations, and laws within any religious organization will lead to failure at some point. Anything done under your own strength will prove how much you need the One who already did it for you!
There is no life outside of Christ, only death. The offer of salvation through faith in Christ’s finished work (His death, burial, and resurrection, 1 Cor 15:1-4) is what secures your eternal life.
Simply believe your sins are covered by Christ’s sacrifice for you. When you do, you are justified before God, and instantly sealed by His Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13). You will live with Him forever!
I’m praying for you, dear reader!