Religion vs. The Gospel

Luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Religion is about what you DO.

Religious people base their acceptance with God on their righteousness, not Jesus’ perfect righteousness. They rely on what they seem to think is good (think moralism or the average American) or even God-given good works (think sanctified works) for God to be “for” them. Because of this, they like to quantify their righteousness in measurable ways. Since love, mercy, justice, and kindness are not easily measureable or “boot-strap” doable, they do not pursue them passionately. Religion is about the external and visible rather than the internal, heart motives which comes from free grace. This is shown when Jesus interacts with the Pharisees, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. There ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Luke 11:42).

When ask the question, “how is your relationship with Jesus?”, a religious person will immediately start counting how many hours they spend in prayer and the Bible or how many times they have gone to church. One of these two reactions will follow: pride (if they think it is going well) or despair and shame (if they think it is going poorly). This is where religion leaves you. This is for all of us, as Martin Luther rightly said that the default mode of the human heart is "religion." Even after you become a Christian, your heart gravitates back toward works-righteousness unless you continually set them on the gospel.

The Gospel

The Gospel is different in that God has supplied all you need in Christ. It is Christ’s righteousness, not yours. It is Christ’s works, not yours. It is Christ and all of Christ! Christ covers you with His perfect righteousness and God accepts you only on Christ and His work, not yours. You rest in and receive it by grace through faith alone (See Romans 3:21-4:8). Now, since God is 100% for you in Christ (Romans 8:31-32), joyfully you serve, obey and love Him and others.