“Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship.”

-Christian Clichés

Many people in this world believe that Christianity is based on a system of rights and wrongs or that simply being a good person is the way into Heaven. Salvation and our eternity once we leave this earth is not earned. A relationship with Jesus is the only way. Our salvation depends on the one who gave it all for us. Religion teaches morals and church strengthens our faith, but neither of the two replace a relationship with our Savior. No matter how many good things we do in this life or how much of a good person one believes they are can ever replace a personal relationship with the one who is the foundation of Christianity.

Religion is based on a system and a relationship with Jesus is based on surrender. Jesus came to Earth to bring love and restore humanity with an eternal relationship with him, not division through religion. His story has always been about communion with one another and His Spirit dwelling within us. Church helps us grow and remain connected, but it’s not our source of living water; Jesus is. We may find structure in religion, but it does not offer salvation; only the blood of Jesus does. The blood and our salvation in Him alone offer us redemption for our sins. The only thing we need to do is surrender and truly repent in order to know Him. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” It’s not through a system, not through performance, not through a set of laws, but through our hearts and soul. Examine your heart today. Do you truly know Christ or are you following customs and traditions? If you feel that religion is what you have been following and not Jesus, lay it down at His feet and ask Him to come into your heart, and to walk with you, daily and intimately. Let Him be your source. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.

Scripture:

John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”

Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”

John 14:23 “Jesus answered him, “if anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.””

Mark 12:30 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”