Saving Grace: Saved by Grace, Through Faith

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:4-10

Next Monday, as odd as this may sound from a Christian organization, we will be celebrating and examining the Death of Religion.

Here’s why: religion is not the equivalence of salvation.

Many believers and non-believers alike get caught up on or halted in their faith and growth by the practices of religion. These practices may include fasting, covering of hair, special prayers, gatherings on specific days and speaking a certain kind of language or lingo. None of these things in themselves are bad things, in fact, all of them can be supported biblically. However, none of these things, has anything to with what religion professes to do: which is to connect you with God and protect you from His wrath. The only thing that can save you from the wrath of God is God Himself. And in His loving mercy – that is exactly what he chose to do.

Thank God for that mercy.