Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Christianity, Religion or Relationship

One of the major differences between Christianity and all other religions is that it is more about a relationship with God, than a system of do's and don'ts. Jesus was a Jew, and obeyed the Law, but got on the case of the leaders of the temple, synagogues, and the teachers of the law in His day, because they were more concerned about the law, than about helping people to worship, and ultimately find God. Jesus did unorthodox things: He hung out with sinners; tax collectors, prostitutes, allowed lepers to come near Him, He allowed unclean people to touch Him, etc.

Most religions are all about drawing close to a god or gods. Christianity is about God drawing near to us. He repaired the destruction that we (as humans) did to our relationship with God from the very beginning. Jesus said that He came to lay down His life as a ransom for many. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, the penalty was death (Eternal separation from God). Physical death, as well as the separation from God's presence (Spiritual Death), was the result of their sin.

The Scriptures teach us that without the shedding of blood (death) there is no remission of sin. So Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, came down from heaven, became human, and lived a sinless life, voluntarily dying a sinner's death, even death on a cross to pay for our sins.

Jesus stated that when (He) the Son of Man was lifted up (crucified), He would draw all men unto Him.

Thank You Jesus...