"Do" vs. "Done" Religion

Sept. 02, 2013 Monday Message:

We’ve been looking at the most-asked Bible/Christianity questions, and the #1 question is, “Can we really know for sure that we’re going to heaven?” We’ve learned that Jesus is the direct connection to eternal life. Know that Jesus is the Anointed One (Christ.) Place your faith, hope and trust in Him, and Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in paradise!” We also discussed that nothing we do (other than following Jesus) would earn us a place in heaven. The correct answer lies in what Jesus did for us.

(Sometimes Monday Message winds up on the same time path as our current sermon series – my apologies if you’re hearing this twice!)

Other religions are always having people “do” stuff to gain favor with God, to pile up “heaven-points.” To them, life is like a balance scale – good on one side, evil on the other. Unfortunately, bad stuff seems to pile up all by itself; so there is a perpetual effort to put enough good works on the other side, to tip the balance in favor of salvation. When have you done enough good to counterbalance the bad parts? I don’t know, and they don’t know, but they keep trying and hoping. We call these “Do” religions.

Unfortunately, “Do” is logical. It makes sense to us, and it creeps into Christian-based religions.

“You have to attend church every Sunday.” Good idea, but showing up each week doesn’t secure your place in heaven.

“You need to be baptized.” I highly recommend it because Jesus was baptized and said we should be too, but that’s not what secures your eternal destiny.

“You need to take communion.” Again, Jesus said to do this in remembrance of Him, but communion isn’t a heaven-ticket.

Some believer’s lives are perpetually stuck in the 1800’s, some wear special clothing, ring bells, offer sacrifices, tithe an exact amount, burn incense, light candles, wear ceremonial robes and hats, and sing only 200-year-old hymns accompanied by an organ. And I’m telling you today that none of this matters, because the securing of your eternal destiny isn’t controlled by anything that you can do.

In fact, all the work has been done for you, and it’s a gift to you from Jesus. Jesus did all the work on the cross, and your sins are forgiven. Christianity isn’t a “Do” religion – it’s a “Done” religion!

Accept the free gift!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers every Sunday at 10:30am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. Sunday, Sept. 08, Dan Pilla wraps up Luke Ch. 13, and People of Hope provide special Worship Music! Join us!

NL