Gospel vs. Religion
Tim Keller explains that although living out the gospel and being religious often look similar on the surface, there is a huge difference between the two.
Acceptance
- Religion: “I obey; therefore, I’m accepted.”
- Gospel: “I’m accepted; therefore, I obey.”
Motivation
- Religion: Motivation is based on fear and insecurity.
- Gospel: Motivation is based on grateful joy.
Obedience
- Religion: I obey God in order to get things from God.
- Gospel: I obey God to get God – to delight in and resemble him.
Circumstances
- Religion: When circumstances in my life go wrong, I am angry at God or myself, since I believe that anyone who is good deserves a comfortable life.
- Gospel: When circumstances in my life go wrong, I struggle, but I know my punishment fell on Jesus and that while God may allow this for my training, he will exercise his Fatherly love within my trial.
Read more here.
