What is the difference between Christianity and religion? Religion is a system of do’s and don’ts. Christianity is a relationship with a person—the person of Jesus Christ.
Religion says, “Do this!” Christianity says, “It is already done!” or as Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished!”
Does this give us a license to sin or even continue living in sin? No! Consider Paul’s words in Romans 6. “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (5:20b). “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (6:1b). “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (6:16).
If we are truly born again and truly love Christ Jesus as our own personal Saviour, we will obey the 10 commandments and God’s other moral laws out of our love for Him—not out of duty. Duty is what religion is based upon. Love is what Christianity is based upon.
It was the love of a merciful Creator who manifested Himself in the flesh, to suffer as a man and die on a cross that should have been ours, so that we could be reconciled to Him and be given eternal life. Nobody sacrifices themselves for another person for any other reason other than love.
Followers of Christ Jesus were first called “Christ Ones” in Antioch. That is what “Christian” means: “Christ Ones” or “Christ Followers.” I believe this term was used as a derogatory comment toward believers. Should that not give us stronger conviction about who we are and Who we follow? I am called a “Christ One” because I follow Christ Jesus, the living God, and the world hates Him. I should be proud to wear the world’s derogatory term “Christian” for the sake of my Saviour, Christ Jesus!
“Sometimes Love has to drive a nail into its own hand.” –Chris Rice
God wants my fellowship, communion, and love. Is it the love of Christ that constrains what I do? Or a list of do’s and don’ts? Our greatest need has already been met! We can never do enough to earn God’s grace or get into heaven. Christ Jesus did it all. We can accept it or reject it.