Religion or Christ: What’s the Difference?
Is there a distinction worth making? Or is it only a matter of terms? Should we be encouraged that one opinion poll found that 85% of Americans consider themselves somewhat or very religious? Should we take a second look, in light of the fact that in Jesus’ day He was hated by conservative religious leaders?
These devotionals are written with the conviction that there is a fundamental difference between Christ and religion, and that a study of the Pharisees of Christ’s day can give us insight not only into this difference but also into ourselves.
We will start this journey tomorrow, but let me begin by defining some of the terms we will be using throughout these devotionals:

Christ: The 2nd person of the triune God who became a member of the human     race,             lived a sinless life, was crucified and rose from the dead to offer salvation to all             who put their trust in Him.

Communion: A symbolic ceremony of bread & wine to remind believers of Christ’s                 death for them.

Cross: The form of execution by which Christ suffered and died in our place to pay for             our sins.

Faith: Personal trust which, when placed in the person of Christ, forms the heart of             true religion.

Justification: To be “declared righteous.” In salvation, God extends to all who are in                 Christ the legal status of being right with Him.

Legalistic: Someone who trusts the Law to do for him what only Christ can do.

Religion: A system of thought & conduct expressing belief in God.

Religionist: Someone who trusts religion to do for him what only Christ can do.

Repentance: A change of mind evidenced by a change of behavior.

Resurrection: The act by which Christ rose bodily from death, showing the value of                 His sacrifice and His ability to live His life through all who trust Him.

Salvation: God’s loving offer to save from the past, present, and future effects of sin                 everyone who puts his faith in Christ.

Sin: Any violation of God’s moral laws; carries the penalty of death.

Water Baptism: A symbolic ceremony that is an outward declaration of personal belief                 in Christ.