Religion? Faith?

For this edition of Theology Thursday I want to look at a question I was asked by the Patch as a part of an interview . . . What is the biggest misconception people have when it comes to religion?

One thing I want to address right away is that there is a difference between “religion” and “faith.”  Religion is defined as a set or system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.  Faith is knowing the information (i.e., Jesus Christ died for my sins), agreeing that it is true, and then having a personal trust and reliance in it as you live your life. My goal is not to be ”religious” but to be faithful to Christ as my Lord and Savior. 

Unfortunately, people have lots of misconceptions when it comes to religion.  Some of these are thinking that all religions are the same; believing that good people go to heaven regardless of what they believed; or that churches only want your money.  One misconception I have heard repeatedly about Christianity is that it is all about rules, and if you look at a strict definition of religion, it can be.  Thankfully, faith is different.

Living faithfully is not about how well or how badly you follow the rules, but about freedom because the punishment has already been paid for us.  One of the most freeing things for me is knowing that I can’t follow all the rules no matter how hard I try.  Thankfully God did not leave that as the end of the story.  Instead, God provided Jesus Christ as the only one who was able to live a sinless and perfect life, and ultimately give Himself for us (John 3:16).  The only thing I have to do is follow Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and it is through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ that I am freed from having to try to follow the rules to earn my own salvation.  Instead, Christ paid the penalty of my sin and rule breaking for me. 

Praise God that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ!  Through the work of Christ I am able to spend my life glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.

God bless, Rev. Liz Arakelian, www.LivingHopeEC.org