Religion Compared To Salvation
Many people get the terms "religion" and "salvation" confused. It's easy to understand why--one looks so much like the other on the surface. May I share just four differences between the two? I hope and pray you will take a serious inventory of yourself because it can make all the difference in the world.
Religion emphasizes "DO" while salvation emphasizes "DONE." You can find many good churches and denominations that emphasize good works, moral living, rituals, etc. There is nothing inherently wrong with these things--God knows we could use a lot more moral people. But such outward deeds are man's futile efforts to make himself acceptable to God. The Bible tells us that even our righteousness looks like a filthy rag in His sight, so NO ONE can make himself acceptable to God through his/her own efforts. It is only when we realize that Christ already DID what was required for us so that we can be saved. He lived the perfect life we cannot possibly live. He fulfilled God's requirements. When He said, "It is finished" on the cross, He spoke of the fact that all that was needed for our salvation was DONE. Nothing else we can do is needed, indeed it is not even acceptable. Once a person chooses to accept what Christ has DONE, changes towards such qualities as goodness, humility, patience, love will be evident in their life. But it is not these qualities that will cause the person to be saved, it is what Christ has DONE.
Religion emphasizes "BE" while salvation emphasizes "BEEN." Be a good person, be a church member, be confirmed, be baptized. What matters most to God is what we have BEEN, not what we are trying to BE. Without Christ, we have already BEEN condemned (John 3:18). It is not that we will be condemned some day if we end up being more bad than good. The Bible tells us we have BEEN justified when Christ died for our sins. The relationship with Christ is a done deal. It cannot be reneged, undone, or improved upon by anything we try to be or do.
Religion speaks of GETTING. Salvation speaks of RECEIVING. Some well-meaning people think a person has to GET a certain feeling or emotion inside before he/she is saved. Though emotions may play a role in our relationship with God, they do not determine whether or not we have that relationship. John 1:12 tells us that salvation is RECEIVING. Man can produce emotional responses, but he cannot generate salvation of his soul through any emotion or feeling. Feelings and emotions are fickle. Salvation is firm and forever.
Religion puts emphasis on EXPERIENCE. Salvation is based on a RELATIONSHIP. External EXPERIENCES--whether a vision, dream, or some other ecstatic event--do not necessarily prove a RELATIONSHIP exists between us and God. The fact that you belong to a particular earthly family is not based on any experience you have in that family. Your membership in your family is based on your birth into that family. It is exactly the same spiritually. "Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God," Jesus said. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the power [authority] to be the children of God."
When we, by faith, realize Jesus has already DONE everything required for our salvation, when we RECEIVE that salvation and have thus BEEN justified, we have a RELATIONSHIP with Him. That is salvation. Anything short of this is just "religion." Whatever religious tag or denomination you claim, have you realized what Jesus has DONE for you? Have you RECEIVED Him by faith and BEEN placed into His family? Do you have a personal RELATIONSHIP with Him today?
Looking For An Escape?
"And I said, 'Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. (Psalm 55, 6 - 8)
Winter can be rough in Michigan. Many of us wish we could travel south to get away from the snow, ice and brutal wind chills. Whenever our life gets rough or overwhelming, we may feel like David in this psalm, "If only I could fly away."
Wings and flight can look inviting after hours of haggling with family or when work conditions deteriorate or plain disappear. Similarly, we might think about leaving the church we attend if our spiritual needs aren't being met. Face it. Sometimes we just get worn out, weary and need a break. A change of scenery can make us feel better. But if we can't "fly away", are we to end up feeling stuck? Must we just hang in there?
Here's another alternative. Seek the Lord's guidance to know where He wants you and what He wants you to be doing. When you make a change in your life it should be because you see a greater opportunity to serve Him, not because you want to run away. Jesus tells us, "Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11, 28 – 30)
Do you want to rest, be refreshed and be rejuvenated? Take every concern to the Lord in prayer. Don't try to understand your circumstances, make decisions or try to solve problems yourself. When we fly away we tend to take our baggage with us. So leave the flying to God. Ask Him for help.