𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝘃𝘀. 𝗝𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗦

RELIGION vs. JESUS

One Trusts Works — One Gives Grace

Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 11:6

INTRODUCTION

Religion and Jesus are not the same.
Religion says DO.
Jesus says DONE.

When the Bible is not rightly divided, people mix law with grace, works with faith, and effort with salvation. The result is bondage, fear, and condemnation. Paul reveals the clear contrast: Religion enslaves — Jesus saves.

① THE RELIANCE CONTRAST

Romans 4:5

A. Religion — Trusts Human Effort
Isaiah 64:6 — Righteousness as filthy rags.

B. Jesus — Trusts Finished Work
John 19:30 — “It is finished.”

C. Result — Faith Alone Justifies
Galatians 2:16

② THE RITUAL CONTRAST

Colossians 2:16–17

A. Religion — Binds With Ordinances
Galatians 4:9–10

B. Jesus — Breaks Bondage
Galatians 5:1

C. Reality — Christ Is the Substance
Colossians 2:10

③ THE RIGHTEOUSNESS CONTRAST

2 Corinthians 5:21

A. Religion — Produces Self-Righteousness
Romans 10:3

B. Jesus — Provides Imputed Righteousness
Romans 4:6

C. Redemption — A Gift, Not a Goal
Philippians 3:9

④ THE REFORMATION CONTRAST

Titus 3:5

A. Religion — Cleans the Outside
Matthew 23:25

B. Jesus — Changes the Inside
2 Corinthians 5:17

C. Renewal — By the Spirit, Not the Flesh
Romans 8:10

⑤ THE RULE CONTRAST

Romans 6:14

A. Religion — Operates Under Law
Galatians 3:10

B. Jesus — Places Believers Under Grace
Ephesians 3:2

C. Relationship — Not Regulation
Romans 7:4

⑥ THE RESULT CONTRAST

Romans 8:1

A. Religion — Condemns Constantly
Hebrews 10:1–2

B. Jesus — Justifies Completely
Romans 5:1

C. Rest — Peace With God
Colossians 1:20

⑦ THE RELIGIOUS DECEPTION

2 Corinthians 11:14

A. Appearance — Satan Masquerades as Light
Matthew 7:22–23

B. Addition — Grace Plus Works
Galatians 1:6

C. Anathema — False Gospel Cursed
Galatians 1:8

⑧ THE REDEMPTIVE DECLARATION

1 Corinthians 15:1–4

A. Christ Died — For Our Sins
Romans 5:8

B. Christ Was Buried — Sin Paid
Colossians 2:14

C. Christ Rose — Salvation Secured
Romans 4:25

⑨ THE RESPONSE DEMANDED

Acts 16:31

A. Believe — Not Behave
John 3:16

B. Receive — Not Reform
Romans 5:17

C. Rest — In Christ Alone
Hebrews 4:10

CONCLUSION

Religion says try harder.
Jesus says trust Me.

Religion changes behavior temporarily.
Jesus changes the heart eternally.

Religion keeps score.
Jesus cancels the debt.

CALL TO ACTION

Leave religion — come to Christ
Stand firm in grace
Live free, not fearful

“By grace are ye saved through faith…” — Ephesians 2:8

FINAL THOUGHTS

Religion enslaves
Grace liberates
Works condemn
Faith justifies
Jesus is enough

Don’t trade grace for rules — choose Christ.