Churchianity vs Christianity

Lately a lot of you have been asking EXCELLENT questions about Jesus, salvation, and how to get to Heaven. We talked to one student yesterday that was confused because religion (man's attempt to get to God) tells us one way to satisfy God and then eventually go to Heaven, and the Bible (GOD'S WORD!!!) tells us another. I've compiled a short list to help you differentiate between the two. This doesn't cover everything, but I tried to answer some of the questions you've been asking. The following is what religion tells us compared to what the Gospel (which means "good news") says:

RELIGION vs THE GOSPEL

RELIGION: My relationship with God is based on my performance for Him.
THE GOSPEL: My relationship with God is based on Jesus' performance on my behalf on the cross.

RELIGION: “I obey - therefore I’m accepted by God.”
THE GOSPEL: “I’m accepted by God through Jesus - therefore out of reverence I obey God.”

RELIGION: Motivation is based on fear and insecurity. “I hope I’ve done enough to earn his favor.”
THE GOSPEL: Motivation is based on grateful joy. “Thank you, Jesus, for placing God’s favor on me.”

RELIGION: I obey God in order to get things from Him.
THE GOSPEL: I obey God because I love Him and delight in Him.

RELIGION: “I think a lot about what I’ve done FOR God. I’m a very moral person.”
THE GOSPEL: “I think a lot about what I’ve done TO God. I’m a humbled person because I see that I don’t deserve the love He has given me through Christ.”

If anyone has any other questions...................ASK!!!