Why Christianity isn't just a religion
When people think of religion, they think of terms like spirituality or enlightenment. Many people turn to religion in order to be classified as good people, or to seek eternal life. If we’re defining Christianity by these terms, then Christianity shouldn’t be classified as a religion. It’s much more than simply seeking to do good, to enter heaven or to become more spiritual. Here are two things religion can’t do (that Christianity can) based on the story of Nicodemus and Jesus in John 3:1-15.
Religion doesn’t lead to true salvation
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God… How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. (verse 1 -3)
If you’ve ever read one of the Gospels, you would know that many of the religious teachers only speak to Jesus to either test or bait him into committing a sin against Jewish law. In this instance, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, is unlike the others. He simply seeks to ask Jesus this question, “how can someone be born when they are old?”
It seems Nicodemus was not satisfied with his religion and looked to Jesus for answers. And only Jesus could provide the answer to his question, because as Nicodemus declares, Jesus has come from the one True God of Israel; the only source of true salvation.
Religion doesn’t lead to a true relationship
Pharisees had a reputation as being holy and having right standing with God. As a religious leader, it was easy to assume that Nicodemus’ own relationship with God was solid. However, Jesus knew that no one could have a true, right-standing relationship with God unless they were “born of water and the Spirit.” God doesn’t desire the outwardly things that we can do that allude to right-standing with God. But he truly desires us to have a changed heart. To be born again of water and Spirit for “flesh gives birth to flesh.” It is only then that we have a true relationship with God. What other religion offers the intimate and loving relationship that exists between believers and the Creator of the Universe than Christianity?
Religion doesn’t lead to true spirituality
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.
With an increasing emphasis on spirituality and draw away from religion, many people are seeking to become more spiritual. But, what does it mean to be truly spiritual? As Jesus has mentioned, the flesh can only give birth to flesh. It’s the Spirit that can give birth to spirit and no one can receive the Spirit apart from Christ. It is through believing in the risen Christ that we can truly be spiritual. And what does it mean to believe? In the original Greek, the word ‘believe’ translates to ‘pistis’ meaning to commit and trust your life. This means to be truly spiritual there is a cost. For Christ, the cost was suffering, to the point of death, on a cross. For believers, the cost is to share in the suffering of Christ; to be willing to suffer for Christ than protect our own sense of comfort.
So, Christianity is not just any religion. It’s not the pursuit of good character. Nor the pursuit of a perfect life. But it’s a life offering true salvation, a true relationship with God and true spirituality that will enable us to withstand any suffering we must endure for Christ’s sake.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that it’s only through Christ I can receive true salvation, true right-standing with you and true spirituality through the Holy Spirit. Help me to turn away from religion and embrace Christianity, knowing well the cost and the reason why we must suffer; that is, Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,
Amen