Unlimited LifeSample

The “Good News” Religion

The believer has no need to make his peace with God, for Christ has already done that, and Christ is his Peace.

There are just two religions in the world, and only one of them is pleasing to God. The most common religion of the world says, “Be good and God will love you.” This religion is human-centered, and dependent on good behavior and “works”. People believing in this kind of religion depend on their feelings about their relationship with God, and deep down they know they will never be able to please him.

Bible religion, in contrast – the Good News religion – teaches that Christ came into the world to save sinners. He loves and accepts us even while we are sinners. It is this acceptance that changes us. God “justifies the ungodly” (Romans 4:5). The glory of the New Testament religion is that we are saved on the basis of what Christ has done, not by what we do; by what he has felt, not by what we feel. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone.

The righteousness by which we are justified is 100 percent, but it is imputed (credited to us) rather than imparted (given to us). The righteousness of sanctification is imparted (given to us) by the Holy Spirit, but it is never 100 percent in this life. The believer has no need to be anxious about what God thinks of him but only what God thinks of Christ, his Substitute. The believer has no need to make his peace with God, for Christ has already done that, and Christ is his Peace.

Which religion do you believe in: the good news religion or the good works religion? Does your religion bring you stress, or does it bring you peace? Share this devotional with someone you know who needs peace in their Christian walk.

By Dr. Desmond Ford