Don’t confuse being religious with having a relationship with Jesus Christ

Since coming back to Jesus, I’ve focused on becoming more comfortable with talking to non-believers about my faith. I was hesitant at first because of who I used to be. I also didn’t feel qualified to talk about being born-again because I wasn’t born-again long enough. The bottom line is those were just excuses, and pretty poor ones at that. I was proud of returning to my faith and how it was changing me. I knew I owed it to Jesus to openly share my joy and faith without hesitation because of what he’s done for me.

During several conversations I’ve had with people, the most common reason they don’t believe is because religion is so oppressive. I tell them I’ve never felt more free. Then they’d ask how can only one religion be right. Does that mean only Christians go to heaven and everyone else goes to hell? I thought about it and told them that going to Heaven has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with building a faith filled relationship with Jesus Christ and asking him in your heart.

John 14:6 NIV

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

I’ve been told this by several people as well. “So-called Christian’s are some of the biggest hypocrites I know. Why would I follow a God that thinks this is okay?” Being “religious” and going to church, has never gotten anyone into Heaven and it never will. It’s not about being “religious” or going to church. There is only one way to get to Heaven.

No one religion is right over all others. Calling ones self a Christian means nothing. Inviting Jesus Christ into your heart, asking for his forgiveness and building a relationship with him is the ONLY way to get to Heaven. Religion is controlled by man. Man can and has perverted God’s word for the sake of profit and control from the pulpit. Most Pastor’s are sincere and truly good. However, the one and ONLY truth has always been, and always will be, the Bible, God’s word.

Romans 10:9 NIV

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Being religious should never be confused with having a personal relationship with God and growing in his word. The former may give you some knowledge, but the latter is the only way to get to Heaven.