All the Parts in All the Wrong Places

It seems a lot of people focus on their works for God. Many church groups enslave people to a work-based dogma or theology that requires people to submit to biblical teachings that have been “weaponized” by these church groups. The motive of these church groups, that present a work-based relationship for salvation theology, is to establish means and method for salvation only they can provide.

The reason these church groups establish a work for salvation theology is to elevate the need for a “middleman” relationship with them to provide you with your “works” that will allow you to find peace with God. The message they present is simple - God is angry at you and has a judgment reserved for you at your death and if you are seeking to have peace with an angry God you need them to bridge the gap.

This is like a painting by Picasso; all the parts are there only in the wrong places. Many seekers of God are hindered in their attempts in finding a relationship with God by the religious teachings of many church groups. Baptism of the born-again is a biblical teaching that has been twisted into a requirement if you are to be saved from your sin. Church membership has been elevated to be necessary to gain entrance into God’s presence as well.

The work's of humanity are the reason why we need a Saviour.

Why would anyone teach that the same creature who is earned by sin and sentenced to death could do any action that would undo the curse of sin? Jesus is the “strait gate”. Not your church group.

The Bible is clear on the teaching of the work of the Saviour versus the works of humanity:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:8-10)

Religious works fall short of the gate to Heaven. Religion leads not to the “strait gate” but to the broad way of destruction. When Jesus said, “reasonable center ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Mat 7:13-14), He was not defining a religious theology but was referring to the gospel of Jesus that would be preached to the world.

Religion makes us proudful, “lest any man should boast.” You did not work your way to salvation. God graced you into His Kingdom. Whenever we take credit for God’s grace we become self-righteous and proudful. Whenever we give God the glory for our salvation, we become thankful and obedient.

Religious works make us someone else’s workmanship. The born-again believer gives God the glory and credit for the hope they have of a home in heaven. The religious give credit for their spiritual condition to a theology, church group or pastor.

Only when we are born again by God’s grace can we produce works that God acknowledges and blesses. All other labor is in vain.

Are you working for God for the hope of your salvation? When will you do enough to gain God’s favor and find joy in your salvation? David, King of Israel, giving testimony of the works of God said only His works can make you whole:

“For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. (Psa 92:4)

Has God made you “glad” or are you living a life in which you are hoping you will have enough works to please an angry God? Today, lay down the tools of religion you are employing to find favor with God and trust in the Gospel of Jesus.