TODAY’S VERSE:
Psalm 149:4 “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation.”
As we continue our Christianity vs. Religion series, let us review the terms we are using for this study. When we say religion, we are referring to the religions of the world which teach people they must work to earn and keep their salvation. These religions tell people they must be “good enough” to get into Heaven. When we say Christianity, we are talking about the religion of the Bible which states that salvation is by grace through faith, given to those who humbly repent and believe upon the person and work of Jesus Christ to save them.
Last month, we discussed two huge differences between them; their power source and motivation. Worldly religion teaches that people are the source of their salvation and good works, while the Bible tells us that God is the source of all things, including salvation and good works. People involved with the world’s religions are motived to do good works by their fear of going to hell. Believers in Jesus Christ, on the other hand, are motivated by their gratitude and love for the Lord and all He has done.
We will now take a look at another important difference between the two, the attitude and thinking they encourage in people, arrogance vs humility. The religion of the world promotes arrogance and leads people to believe that they do not need a savior. It tells them that they are somehow good enough all on their own. The Bible tells us that both salvation and good works require humility and reliance on God’s power. Christians understand that nothing can be accomplished without the Lord! If ever we wonder why, we can simply look to God’s Word for the answers.
First of all, the Bible tells us that we are all sinners:
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
And that we are unable to save ourselves:
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.”
When we humbly repent, acknowledging in our hearts that we are sinners and need a savior, God is then able to pour out His grace upon us:
James 4:8-10 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
So, you see, worldly religion tells people they are in charge of their salvation and must walk the rocky path of life all on their own. Not only is this a lie but it is also quite scary and sad. Just look around at those in the world who do not rely on the Lord and you will most often see people filled with fear and depression.
Biblical religion, Christianity, says that our Lord and Savior is in charge and that we NEED God EVERY day! We need Him to save us, protect us, guide us, teach us, forgive us, and love us always. Once we trust what the Bible teaches us about the Lord and His works, we happily follow Him down the path He leads us on with humble gratitude.