TODAY’S VERSE:
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
We have begun a new study in prep school titled, “Christianity vs. Religion”. We could also call it, the religion of the Bible vs. the religion of the world. What is the difference between the two, you ask? Great question!
The Bible defines religion this way:
James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
In other words, the religion of the Bible (Christianity) involves following God’s commands, serving others, and living our lives the way God teaches us to, not how the world does.
Here is how the dictionary defines religion:
-the service and worship of God or the supernatural.
-commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance.
-a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.
Hmmm… pretty vague, huh?
Let’s discuss 3 important aspects of Christianity so we are able to see the difference between Biblical religion and the religion of the world. First, in Christianity, people are given the opportunity to spend eternity with God in Heaven through believing, by grace, in the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Second is the unique motivation. A Christian’s motivation for obeying God’s commands to love and serve others is based on their love for God.
John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Third, is the power source. God gives Christians the power to obey Him, through the filling of the Holy Spirit, which result in God receiving the glory for our good works.
Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
So, how do the religions of the world differ from Christianity? Worldly religions teach people that salvation must be earned and kept by their good works. These good works, then, are motivated by fear of losing that salvation. The power source for their works is self, giving glory to self. This all resulting in a life of insecurity as people strive to remain “good enough”. How awful!
As “today’s verse” tell us, God promises Christians a life of peace as we trust in Him for all things. Thank you, God, for your love and grace as you offer us eternal security through the saving work of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!