Religion or Jesus? You Choose!

When I meet someone for the first time and they find out that I'm a Pastor, one of two things will happen. Sometimes they're a Christian and we will have a great discussion about the Lord and today's church. But to often, they're not a Christian and at that point the conversation is over. They will usually say "I'm not a religious person" which I then say, "Nor am I" I don't believe in religion, I believe in having a relationship with Jesus Christ. But either way, they're done talking now. 

RELIGION FOCUSES ON THE EXTERNAL RATHER THAN ON THE INTERNAL.

It's all about the rules. It looks at actions and not the heart of a person. The Pharisees had 613 commandments they followed and they had them memorized as well. they felt, that if hey could just follow these rules, they would be right with God. Let's look at what Jesus thought about this.

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Matthew 23:25

For them it was all about the show. They made sure that everyone knew that they had payed their tithes. They would worship and pray on street corners, just to ensure that folks knew that they were praying. They wore just the right clothes. They had it all figured out.

RELIGION PROMOTES SPIRITUAL PRIDE.

It'll make ya feel like you're better than everyone else and this is NOT a good thing.

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:  "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get’.” Luke 18:9-12

I have it all figured out. I’m going in the right direction, others should do things the way I do or they will end up in hell.

Here's the Good News!

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known…This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe…  Romans 3:20-22

Let's look at three very important things about this scripture.

1)    YOU CANNOT EARN GOD’S ACCEPTANCE BY OBSERVING THE LAW.

You can’t follow rules to be right with God. “I don’t drink, smoke, or chew and don’t hang out with those who do. I read my Bible and pray, 4 hours every day. I give lots of money on a regular basis. I don’t swear, I never do. It makes it very clear that this will not save you.

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law…Romans 3:20

NO ONE! That means you too. No matter how many rules you follow, it wont work.

2)   THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW IS TO SHOW YOU YOUR NEED FOR A SAVIOR.

…no one will be declared righteous…by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans. 3:20

The Ten Commandments are for sinners to see they need Jesus. Ever broke any of those? Hmm, I know I have broke a lot of them, we’re all sinners. All rules will do is let you know that you aren't right.

3)    RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH GOD COMES BY FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE.

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to ALL who believe… Romans 3:22

It is Christ plus nothing. 
Not Christ plus circumcision, 
Not Christ plus a tithe. 
Not Christ plus a pretty dress. 
Not Christ plus a lot of prayer. 
Not Christ plus a lot of reading. 
Not Christ plus the right church membership.

It Is Christ Alone, Just Him, Nothing Else, Just Jesus!

Let's finish the scripture from earlier and see how Jesus looked at the Pharisee and the tax collector.

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God…” Luke 18:13-14

None of us are worthy and only Jesus can fix it. There are no rules or perfect religion to make you right. Jesus is the only answer you have. The only true thing that matters in life, is will you accept Him or not?