The Riddle of Religion, and The Truth of Salvation

Question: What is worldwide in scope, something that almost everbody has in some form or another, and is used by billions as a substitute for the real thing???

Answer: RELIGION

Christianity is by no means the oldest religion in the world, but the difference between Christianity and all other religions is Jesus Christ, and this difference is as wide as eternity. Jesus Christ makes Christianity a way of life with eternal dimensions. All other religions say in essnce, "Do and Live." Christianity says "Die to Live and Do." Under consideration is one of the most serious problems in all the world - the problem of religion. Man is incredibly religious. However, although many say firmly that all religious paths lead one directly to God, this is not the case. Who would be so foolish in thought to believe that God has many various religions, which teach many differing beliefs and actions among its members, yet they all simply end up at His feet???

Religion does not save, does not satisfy, does not secure. Religion is only a passing fancy of the mind. Most anybody in some for or another can be religious. Religion only temporarily pacifies the insatiable appetite that man has to identify himself with some mystic power beyond his own means. Man must know God before he can be saved. Man must know God by experience, not by explanation.

God has always had only one way of approach to His throne, and that is through Jesus Christ. No man can ever reach God the Father unless he goes through His Son. Therefore, religion is not the answer.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Our God is the God of salvation. When Jesus Christ, God's Son came to earth to be born as a man, the angel of God instructed Mary, his mother, and Joseph to name him Jesus, because "he shall save his people from their sins." Jesus is derived from Jehovah-hoshea; the God of salvation.

Psalms 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

What is the difference between religion and salvation???

1. Religion is an experience with a mystical idea, while salvation is an experience with a mighty Person.

2. Religion is an experience which requires only a new thought. Salvation is an experience which requires a new birth. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

3. Religion is an experience which takes place in the head. Salvation is an experience that takes place in the heart. Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

4. Religion is an experience that is brought about by good works. Salvation is an experience brought about by God's grace. Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

5. Religion is an experience that involves receiving a creed. Salvation is an experience that involves receiving Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

6. Religion is external. Salvation is internal.

7. Religion is temporary. Salvation is permanent. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

8. Religion is earthly. Salvation is heavenly. Rev. 21:2-4 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

9. Religion is cheap and is a counterfeit. Salvation is the real thing.

10. Religion is endured. Salvation is enjoyed!!! 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.