Many Faiths Exist, but Only One True Savior

"If you believe what you like in the gospel, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself."  - Augustine of Hippo, one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church in the Patristic Period (354 AD-430 AD)

We at The Coffee House Bible Ministry are well aware of the perplexity many have regarding the Gospel and religion in general. As such, I thought this would make a good talking point for our discussion, at present. 

Perhaps it would be a good idea to first submit this idea for your consideration: "Although many religions exist as man's attempt to reach God using works and rituals, the Gospel is God's distinctive act of reaching man through grace."

It would be useful to briefly analyze the fundamental differences between the Gospel and religion, beginning with religion:

• Religion is human-centered. Based on this, religion suggests a system of rules, traditions, and moral codes that must be observed in order to earn salvation or approval from a higher power. Its main focus is on what "I must do."
• Religion results in doubt. Because it is contingent on human capability, a person is left in doubt, never knowing if they have done all they can to satisfy God. 
• Religion is fueled by anxiety. It is often driven by a fear of punishment and a desire for self-governance and the current situation.
• Religion offers outside change. Conscientiously following religious laws may lead to "external" changes in behavior, but it neglects the "internal" nature.

Let's now turn our attention to the Gospel:

• The Gospel centers on God's work. The Gospel, or "good news," conveys that salvation is a gift received through grace, and not gained through good works. Its main focus is on what "Jesus has done."
• The Gospel leaves no room for uncertainty. Since it is based on Christ's finished work at the cross, salvation assures those who follow the Gospel of their relationship with God.
• The Gospel is founded on gratefulness. It is driven by a joyful gratitude in response to the unconditional love of God.
• The Gospel offers inner conversion. The power of the Gospel produces a profound personal transformation, often called a "new birth."

As you can see, there are fundamental differences between religion and the Gospel. Only the Gospel, however, offers an exclusive claim regarding the unparalleled path to salvation found only in Jesus Christ:

• The Gospel offers the sole path to salvation. Contrary to other religions that present multiple approaches to God, this perspective maintains that Jesus is the "one way, the truth, and the life," and the exclusive path to God.
• The Gospel highlights God's proactive role. Although religion represents humanity searching for God, the Gospel manifests God's initiative to find us.
• The Gospel draws a distinction between humility versus pride. The Gospel brings about a humble and confident joy because it is not based on individual merit. Whereas religion can cause either pride (for those standing on their mountaintop) or despair (for those grappling with disappointment).

I genuinely hope this brief summary furnishes you with some basic knowledge of the disparities between religion and the Gospel, motivating you to pursue further study into this subject.

Scripture: John 1:16–17; Romans 3:20; Galatians 1:6–9; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:8–9

Prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the glorious gospel of your grace through Jesus Christ, and for the hope, salvation, and new life that comes from your finished work on the cross. May your truth renew us and your love be revealed through us today, in Your name. Amen."

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

~Eve