Friday, November 06, 2015

Religion vs The Gospel

What are the Basic Differences Between Religion and the Gospel?
• Religion is man-made; the gospel is God-given.
• Religion is what man does for God; the gospel is what God does for man.
• Religion is man's search for God; the gospel is God's search for man.
• Religion is man trying to climb the ladder of his own self-righteousness, with the hope of meeting God on the top rung; the gospel is God coming down the ladder in the incarnation of Jesus Christ and meeting a world of sinners at the lowest rung.
• Religion is good views; the gospel is good news.
• Religion is good advice; the gospel is a glorious announcement.
• Religion leads to an outer reformation; the gospel leads to an inner transformation.
• Religion whitewashes; the gospel washes white.
• There are many religions, but only one gospel.
• Religion emphasizes doing; the gospel emphasizes being.
• Religion places the emphasis on principles, precepts, codes and creeds; the gospel places the emphasis on a Person.
• Religion offers us a set of teachings and says, Accept these, believe in them and follow them. The gospel presents a Person and says, Accept Him, believe in Him and follow Him.
• Religion says try; the gospel says trust.
• Religions can point to the grave of a leader, while Christianity points to an empty tomb.
• Religion says, Do! Do this and do that and you might make it.The gospel says, It is done! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!