Filling Your Emptiness -- Your New Life
Chapter 10
Relationship, Not Religion
God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity, or three parts of God. They are not an organization or a religion.
God loves you and offers you an eternity in his perfect heaven. God gave you life and free will in hopes that you will help introduce others to Jesus as their Savior. His gift to you is life; what you do with your life is your gift to him.
God did not create religion. Religion was created by mankind, which was man’s attempt to reach God. Jesus is not interested in religion and is reaching out to you. He is interested in an ongoing relationship with you.
Other religious leaders tell people, “Follow me, and I’ll show you how to find truth.” Jesus says, “I am the truth” (John 14:6).
Other religious leaders tell people, “Follow me, and I’ll show you the way to salvation.” Jesus says, “I am the way to eternal life” (John 14:6).
Other religious leaders tell people, “Follow me, and I’ll show you how to become enlightened.” Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
Other religious leaders tell people, “Follow me, and I’ll show you many doors that lead to God.” Jesus says, “I am the door” (John 10:9).
All religions are based on you doing something to earn the favor of God. These are the attempts of people to reach God.
Christianity is based on what Christ has done for us on the cross. Christianity is God reaching out to us.
Christianity is not a religion; it is a way of life, it is a relationship with God.
Only Jesus—because he is the unique and perfect Son of God— is qualified to offer himself as payment for our wrongdoing.
No leader of any other major religion even pretends to be able to do that.
Moses could meditate on the law.
Mohammed could brandish a sword.
Buddha could give personal counsel.
Confucius could offer wise sayings.
But none of these men were qualified to offer an atonement for the sins of the world.
Example of personal works versus God’s forgiving grace:
Buddha tells a parable of an errant son who became rebellious and left home, later to recognize his error and return home. The errant son is required to work off the penalty of his past misdeeds by spending years in servitude.
Jesus Christ’s prodigal son leaves home and sins, but returns home to a warm welcome, celebration, and undeserved forgiveness: grace (Luke 15:11–32).
God’s grace offers you redemption, not man’s personal effort or works.
(Lee Strobel, God’s Outrageous Claims)