Religion vs. Gospel

Here is a helpful list of distinctives articulated by Mark Driscoll between Religion and the Gospel. I have found these to be helpful in personal evangelism and teaching when trying to explain the uniqueness and need for the gospel.

[I just want to note that 'religion' is not bad in a biblical sense (cf. Jam.1.27). However, what makes it bad is the prevalent perception that institutions or creeds in conjunction with human works can serve as a portal to heaven rather than a full reliance upon the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.]

Religion says, if I obey, God will love me. Gospel says, because God loves me, I can obey.

Religion has good people & bad people. Gospel has only repentant and unrepentant people.

Religion values a birth family. Gospel values a new birth.

Religion depends on what I do. Gospel depends on what Jesus has done.

Religion claims that sanctification justifies me. Gospel claims that justification enables sanctification.

Religion has the goal to get from God. Gospel has the goal to get God.

Religion sees hardships as punishment for sin. Gospel sees hardship as sanctified affliction.

Religion is about me. Gospel is about Jesus.

Religion believes appearing as a good person is the key. Gospel believes that being honest is the key.

Religion has an uncertainty of standing before God. Gospel has certainty based upon Jesus’ work.

Religion sees Jesus as the means. Gospel sees Jesus as the end.

Religion ends in pride or despair. Gospel ends in humble joy.

Possibly Related posts:

1. Why I Hate Religion
2. The Cure for Cold Religion
3. Gospel Quotes
4. I Need the Mud and Spit of the Gospel
5. The Gospel is Powerful

7 Responses to “Religion vs. Gospel”

1. Nath @ Reformed Geek says:

   June 10, 2007 at 4:31 pm

   It is a huge problem in evangelism. So many people switch of because “Oh, I’m not religious…”. These are really good short statements that could be really beneficial to help keep the conversation flowing, and help remove some of the unbelievers presuppositions. Thanks Erik (and thanks Mark as well).
2. Martin says:

   June 10, 2007 at 7:26 pm

   Great words of wisdom. I do love the way Driscol can make powerful statements in such a concise manner. Thanks for sharing, Erik. This is very helpful and encouraging.
3. Barry says:

   June 10, 2007 at 10:03 pm

   Nice list. Could be very helpful. Thanks.
4. David Ulmer says:

   June 11, 2007 at 12:51 am

   James 1:27-2:1
   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 from the world.KJV

   Wouldn’t the post be more “biblical” to compare Pure religion with vain religion, James does.

   Vain religion says, if I obey, God will love me. Jesus says, (John 14:15) “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” RSV Pure religion says, because I love Him I will obey. True it is that the Gospel says that we love Him because He first loved us.

   Vain religion has bad people. Pure religion has good people. Jesus said, “(Matt 13:47-50) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; 48 when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous, 50 and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.”RSV

   The Gospel tells us that anyone can repent because of the Good news of Jesus. He said, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

   Pure religion values a birth family (visit the fatherless and widows). Vain religion devalues life. The Gospel tells us (2 Tim 1:10) “..our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” RSV

   Pure religion does what one can do and must do (seek ye first the Kingdom of God), but as you said depends on God. Vain religion depends one’s self and does what one wants. The Gospel is what Jesus has done. Even more the Gospel is Jesus.

   Pure religion cries, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” Vain religion says, “God, I thank thee that I am not like other men.” Jesus said, (Luke 18:14) “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” RSV

   Vain religion has the goal to get from God. Pure religion has the goal to get God.

   Vain religion sees hardships as useless hardship to be endured. Pure religion sees hardship as sanctifying affliction.

   Vain religion is about me. Pure religion is about Jesus.

   Vain religion is concerned with appearances. Pure religion believes that being honest is the key.

   Vain religion has an uncertainty of standing before God. Pure religion has certainty based upon Jesus’ work.

   Pure religion sees Jesus as the means and the end. Vain religion sees any means to the end.

   Vain religion ends in pride or despair. Pure religion is humble joy.

   What do you think?
   David
5. » Blog Archive » Religion or Gospel? says:

   June 18, 2007 at 3:19 am

   [...] Some helpful distinctions from Pastor Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill church in Seattle. Particularly, living where we live, in the south – yea, even the Bible belt region – it’s really critical that we have good, biblical categories for how to distinguish churchy things, culturally Christian ideas, from biblical truth. [...]
6. Ben says:

   October 14, 2009 at 5:32 pm

   If our language does not reflect the Bible, then why do we continue to distinguish between “religion” and “gospel,” even when we’re fully aware of James 1:27?

   Biblically speaking, is “religion” equal to “self-righteousness” or “legalism”? According to verse 26, there CAN be such a thing as worthless religion, but as verse 27 points out, this is not necessarily so.”

   This is why the statement “Christianity is not a religion” is NOT helpful from a biblical standpoint.
7. Religion or Gospel? : Lakeview Christian Center says:

   July 21, 2010 at 8:22 am

   [...] helpful distinctions from Pastor Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill church in Seattle. Particularly, living where we live, in [...]