Two Religions?
Paul writing to the Galatians tells us that there are people that want to desperately pervert the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:6) If you take a look at the world, the majority has a connection with the name “Jesus Christ.” But is their “Jesus Christ” the same as the Biblical Jesus Christ. How do we know what Jesus someone serves whether it is a false “Jesus” or the true Son of God?
There are really only two categories of religions in the world. The first category is called the “religion of works.” This simply pertains for those religions that seek to do some kind of ritual to please their god, to earn salvation through their own works, basically what man can do to obtain the approval of their god. All religions in the world fall under this category accept Christianity. Even under the name of Christianity, many fall under the “salvation by works” mind set.
Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, all fall under Christianity but it is a false Christianity a religion of “salvation by works.” God can still save a Catholic, Mormon and a Jehovah Witness, but eventually upon regeneration as the Christian matures the Holy Spirit will eventually convict them to leave their false religion.
The second category is “salvation by grace.” This simply implies there is nothing man can do in order to obtain their salvation. It is all based on the sovereign will of God and through grace by faith alone. In other words unless God acts upon your soul and regenerates it, you will likewise perish. We all have the free will to go to Hell but we don’t have free will go to Heaven. In fact there will be many on the judgment day that says and pleads to Christ calling Him Lord, Lord. But Christ will deny them because He never knew them. (Matt. 7:21-23) It is not that you know Jesus Christ. Does Jesus Christ know you?
Paul continues in his letter and writes that if he or any angel appeared and preached another Gospel, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8) All these false phonies preaching a Gospel that teaches that you must do something in order to obtain your salvation seek the approval of men. (Galatians 1:10)
True Christianity gives the glory back to God not man. The Gospel preached the way it must be preached will indeed seem wretched, vile, and it will cause pain to many ears. The Gospel is not pleasing to the ears and mind of men. This is why many seek to pervert the Gospel and reduce it to their level of pain free preaching. Therefore many churches may appear Christian or even act Christian. But most are simply apostate seeking their own self-righteousness.
The Gospel is clear; repent and believe the Gospel. Repent: meaning to give up on all your works, your desires, your selfish ambitions, your earthly treasures, admit that you are vile, wicked, evil, and disgusting before a Holy God and you deserve Hell and just fall before the cross. Believe: meaning that you trust Christ the he has saved you from the wrath to come. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” Flee from the wrath to come!
Author: Jay Gheen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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