Bad
News
for
Religious People
There
are many different religions in the world and a vast number of
people are involved in them. Despite the many differences in
these religions, most have one thing in common: those involved in
them are attempting to earn God's forgiveness and favor through a
variety of religious works and/or sacraments.
The sad thing
is that despite their many sincere efforts they never know
whether they are right with God. They are never sure that they have done
enough to earn His forgiveness and favor.
Sadly, they
are attempting to do what the Bible says they can not do: earn
God's forgiveness and favor! While they may be zealous in their
religion, they have failed to read and believe the Bible, which
says:
Therefore
by the deeds of the law (religion) there shall no flesh be
justified (forgiven) in his sight. Romans 3:20
If
you are religious, the Bible has bad news for you, you can
not earn God's forgiveness and favor! The Bible clearly teaches
that religious works will never take away your sins. Sincere as you may be, your
religion can never save you from the penalty
of your sins.
Thankfully,
there is good news for you. God is NOT asking you to earn
the forgiveness of sins and a right standing before Him! The
wonderful truth of the Bible is that God wants to give you the
very things you are trying to earn. That's right, all your
religious efforts are not needed to obtain the forgiveness of
your sins and to obtain a right standing before God. These are a
gift from God, and are not earned by religious works which you
do! Listen to what the Bible says concerning this gift.
For
the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
Salvation
is by grace, which means you can not earn it. You do not earn a
gift! The Bible slates this very clearly.
And
if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no
more grace. Romans 11:6
What
God does require of you is that you acknowledge your sins, and
believe His Word concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. He wants you
to stop working, and believe on Jesus Christ and the redemptive
work He did on the cross of Calvary to pay for your sins.
For
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever
believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Put
your faith in Jesus Christ and His perfect work of redemption and
be saved. You will finally have peace with God.
Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ. Romans 5: 1
We
would encourage you to read your Bible to find this wonderful
truth which will free you from unnecessary religious works by
which you can never obtain forgiveness of your sins.
And
ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John
8:32
The
following few verses will help you get started. We would suggest
that you read the Gospel of John, asking God to show you this
wonderful truth of salvation by faith.
Forasmuch
as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as
silver and gold, from your vain conversation [manner of life]
received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious
blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. I
Peter 1: 18
For by
grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it
is the gift of God: Not of works, test any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For there
is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due
time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6
Used with
permission, from MILK AND HONEY, Vol. 8, August 1999.
Milk &
Honey Information:
Publisher:
Spread The Word, Inc., 2721 Oberlin Drive, York, PA 17404
Editor:
Stephen Hulshizer
Fax/Phone: +1
(717) 767-2900
Note: Yes,
it is even necessary to REPENT of religion and religious works
practiced in hopes of obtaining, participating in or helping keep
oneself saved. Salvation is all of God. The Lord Jesus Christ is
the ONLY Savior. No merit can be earned. No works can be done to
"persevere" or "keep oneself saved", because
those who believe are "kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation" (1 Peter 1:5). If your religion teaches you that you even
help keep yourself saved by your perseverance or good works, then
it is telling you that in some way you, too, are in part your own
savior! That is NOT the true Gospel, but anathema! (Galatians
1:8-9). The Lord Jesus cried aloud: "it is finished" as He died on the cross.
You need to believe Him, and when you do, you will realize that
nothing you have ever done, are doing, will do, or could do,
could ever contribute in any way to
the work that Christ said He finished!
Carl Knott
