Losing My Religion

“I profited in the Jews’ religion… But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ”(Galatians 1:14; Philippians 3:7)

I love Lauren Daigle’s new song “Losing My Religion.”  The song is not about losing your salvation. She realizes there is a big difference between salvation and religion.  Salvation is what God freely does for you. Religion is what a person does seeking to be accepted by God.  Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). Religion is based on performing good works (James 1:26-27). Lauren explains the song is about “embracing the freedom of taking off the checked boxes, the rules, and all those things that kind of muddy up what faith actually is.”

Paul lost his religion when he found Christ. Before Paul’s conversion his religion was a Pharisee (Acts 26:5).  He lost his religion as a Pharisee when he trusted Christ (Phil. 3:5-9; Gal. 1:13-15).

Evangelist Oliver B. Greene used to say, “Religion has done an excellent job in confusing people.” Amen! When I ask someone if they know they are saved, they often answer what religion they belong to (Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, etc). Their answer reveals they are trusting their “religion” to save them. They need to lose their “religion” and trust Christ!

J. Vernon McGee points out: “The curse of the world today is religion. Get rid of religion and come to Christ. Religion is the greatest barrier for many people today. It is not a religion but a relationship.”

Do you have religion or are you trusting Christ for salvation?  Better “lose your religion” and get saved by receiving Christ as your Savior!!!