Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Religion vs the Gospel

 

What is religion? What is grace?

Religion - You earn god's favor by good works, which classifies most world religions
Christianity (Grace) - This is what makes Christianity different, we are accpeted by God because of what Jesus did

Enjoy this collection of Religion vs the Gospel by Pastor Mark Driscoll
  • 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 claims that sanctification justifies me. Gospel claims that justification enables sanctification. 
  • 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.