MCGI Topic Review | Is Religion Needed for Salvation?

https://youtu.be/7U91Nn7ahqI?si=UDZMfzehSLCiKK1Q It is such a profound and significant question that many tend to pose -Is religion required to achieve salvation? To respond to this, we need to have an idea of what is salvation, what is religion and what the bible has to say regarding both. As an individual, I have also made time to contemplate and read about this subject as it touches on the immortality of our souls. Salvation only implies getting saved out of the sin and its repercussions. It is the process of receiving a deliverance into spiritual death and alienation. Salvation is a gift that is bestowed by God only, through Jesus Christ, in the bible. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, you are saved through faith by grace not by your selves but the gift of God, not by works, otherwise no man will be able to boast. This proves that salvation does not come because one is in a religion but rather because one has faith in Christ and goes by his teachings. Religion, however, is a collection of activities and beliefs that individuals adhere to in the worship of God. There are numerous religions in the world such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, amongst others. But the pertinent question is, does correct membership in a religion automatically imply that you are being saved? The response is negative. Religion alone does not warrant salvation. It is not about the quantity of the relationships with God but about the authentic relationship with God through Christ and the life in accordance with His Word. This was made very explicit by Jesus himself in John 14:6 when He said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. This implies that salvation is not in religion but in a man -Jesus Christ. You can be a member of a religious group, attend all their services and even do the religious works, but in case you do not have personal relationship with Christ, you will not be able to be saved. There are a lot of individuals in the modern society who value their religion over the teachings of Christ. They believe that they can come to heaven by being members of a religious group or adhering to traditions. But this form of false assurance was discouraged by Jesus. In Matthew 7:21-23 He said, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, Shall enter the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. This is a clear indication that salvation is not something that is attained by mere membership of a religion or calling oneself Christian but rather doing the will of God. The teachings of the Members Church of God International (MCGI) have also taught me that what the God desires is not religion made by man, but following His commandments and believing in His Son. Bro. Eli Soriano used to stress that there are a lot of religions, yet only one true religion that can lead to salvation the religion that is based on the gospel of Christ practiced according to the rules of the apostles. According to the bible, in James 1:27, pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this; to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted by the world. This is indicative of the fact that religion is not merely about worship practices but a righteous and compassionate life. It is my perception that, when I look at the world today, religion has separated many. Others fight and despise others due to their varying beliefs. But Christ did not come to make a division. Real salvation brings people together by love, by truth, and not by quarrelling and by conventions. 1 Corinthians 1:10 urges the believers to speak with one voice and to be united in same mind, same judgment. This implies that we should not only be preoccupied with defending our religion but rather we should be following what Christ actually taught. To sum it up, it is religion alone which cannot save anybody. What is salvatory is faith in Christ, repentance of sins and obedience to the Word of God. Religion is only supposed to act like a guide that can help us to get closer to God, rather than having a relationship with him. I am quite sure that it is not the title of our religion that is significant to God, but rather the purity of our hearts and our faith to his commandments. According to Acts 4: 12, it is stated that there is no other name known by any other man, which is given by any other name which we must be saved by, excepting the name of Jesus Christ. That name is Jesus Christ. Thus, as much as religion may assist us to learn and develop on the spiritual side, only Christ can bring us salvation. Religion is not about being religious but righteousness by faith, love and obedience to truth of God.