God's Word does not tell us to go seeking a certain type or group religion in order to be saved. Religion is man-made. Religion did not die on the cross to save me from my sins. The person of Jesus did.
Jesus did not tell us to find religion. He told us to seek HIM. He is not simply "a" way, but THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life. And NO MAN comes to the Father, except through Jesus. John 14:6
No denomination on earth can save us, but the Person called Jesus can. He has that kind of power.
This is why the Bible also tells us, so that we don't have to guess; that the many paths out there that one could choose, won't get us to heaven.
"There is a way that SEEMS right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH." Proverbs 14:12
Physical AND Spiritual death. In other words, not all paths lead to Christ and salvation. That is a devil's lie.
Can man find his own way to heaven? Will we suddenly sprout wings and fly to a place we don't even know where it is located? Hardly. This is why we need Jesus. He CAME from heaven, to SAVE US from the condemnation that sin placed on us. NOT to place condemnation ON us.
We simply cannot drag our sins into a holy heaven. There IS NO SIN in heaven. And who knows better how to get us to heaven, than Jesus?
That's why it's called heaven. There IS NO SIN IN HEAVEN. No more sin, no more death, no more tears. Revelation 21:4
The Apostle Paul in Ephesians Chapter 2 emphasizes that grace, an unearned favor from God, is the basis of salvation. And that faith is the means by which this gift is received. It also highlights that salvation is not a result of human effort, so that no one can boast they saved themselves.
"For by grace you have been saved" — This means salvation is a free gift, undeserved and unearned, given by God's grace. "...through faith..." — This means we receive it by trusting in Jesus Christ. "...and that not of yourselves..." — This means we cannot achieve it on our own through our actions. "...it is the gift of God..." — This confirms salvation is from God, not from man. "...not of works, lest anyone should boast." — This means salvation is not based on good works, so no one can brag about earning it.
Jesus said our "good works" are as filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6 Meaning, He knows we could never live up to God's perfect standard on our own. We are not sinless, like Jesus.
Let us look at some of our "good deeds" TRUTHFULLY, from Galatians:
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these:
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:19-25
Examples of salvation by works that will NOT get us to heaven, taught by Jesus:
Obeying the 10 commandments Giving to charity Tithing Being a good citizen Raising a family Reading the Bible and praying Attending church Being baptized Receiving communion Worshipping idols/statues Performing rituals like confession, confirmation, and beads. Relying on one group/denomination to save us.
Why do people believe in salvation by works? It appeals to people's desire to be in control of their own destiny. It appeals to people's sense of justice. It seems right to people.
But Jesus taught that salvation is by grace, through faith alone, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9
No good work can qualify a person for heaven, because God is not looking for perfection. He's just wanting to love you and save your soul.
Jesus, thank You that You are THE Way. Draw hearts to You today. Amen.
