It Is a Religion, It Is Also a Relationship
If you are an evangelical like me you have probably heard and used the popular slogan “It is not a religion it is a relationship” to describe the differences between Christianity and other works based systems. Unlike most every other religion, Christianity is unique in that it does not offer “salvation” as a reward for performance. “By the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight.” We are saved by grace through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works (Eph 2:8-9). Jonathan Edwards once said so well: “There is nothing we contribute to our salvation but the sin that made it necessary.” Instead of a string of endless duties where we must obey or face the threat of exclusion and damnation, Christianity offers sonship and security to those who know Christ: those who are found in Him and born again. Furthermore the emphasis on relationship in Christianity is important and unique. It means we are not left to doing dry duties, No! We get to know ...