DON'T BE RELIGIOUS - TRUST GOD!

When asked, most everyone would say they hope to spend eternity in heaven.  And most are actually doing all they can to deserve it.  However, even the most zealous are in for a rude awakening, for there is not a single religion that man can surrender his life to, that will lead him to his eternal goal.  Religion is simply a set of rules, of don'ts, and do's, which mankind thinks will get them there.  For instance, the Jews thought the Law would get them to heaven, but the Apostle Paul described the Law as a guide to show man he cannot live a righteous life.  He wrote:

Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law.  But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  But before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:21-26).

Elsewhere, Paul wrote:  "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5).  "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works" (2 Tim. 1:9).  "For grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).  "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law" (Rom. 3:28).  "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, His faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:5).

Does that mean a person can place their faith in the finished work of Christ who died on the cross for their sin?  Yes!  But trusting in God's forgiveness (for He raised Jesus from the dead, having been satisfied with His sacrifice), does not mean one needs to live life as he or she wishes.  Out of gratitude to the Lord for His sacrifice of love, we seek to please Him - not to earn favor, but to bring glory to our risen Lord and Savior!  That is why born again believers in Christ make every effort to serve Him.  Ephesians 2:10 shows this:  "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."  Note this verse immediately follows the Ephesians 2:8-9 quote above. 

Believing Jesus died for me, motivates me to live for Him.