Religion vs Christianity
Dear Champions,
The short excerpt is by Tim Keller, and the short excerpt is 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Religion is if I do good, then I'm accepted. I get in to heaven! Christianity is that because I'm accepted and already in, I do good. In Christianity, Jesus has done it all for you. He is the sacrifice so you're completely pardoned in Him. He is everything, which means, "It is finished," which He says on the Cross.
There are a lot of ways of doing good. The secular person says, "I'm going to live a good life. That way I know I'm a good person and can really feel good about myself." The religious person says, "I'm going to do good so that God will take me to heaven." It's basically the same thing, and you're going to find it a grind. All of your good deeds are really about you. You're not about the people you're helping . You're just doing it because you need it.
The gospel puts a power and joy in your heart. You're already in and accepted and loved so why are you helping people? Because you want to be like the One who did all that in love. Joy and gratitude result, and you're doing it for their sake, not your sake.
Champions, have a great week!-David Vining
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