Two Religions

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:5-13
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Two Religions
            There are really only two religions in this world. Christianity, which professes salvation outside of our works and through Christ alone, and all the rest, which at their core is works righteousness. The adherents of these false religions all, at some level, believe they have to contribute to their salvation, either through good works, moral lives, or fulfilling the law. It is only Christianity that says no to all these paths to salvation. There is no amount of goodness or moral living or upholding of the law that will save us. It is only through the gift of faith that we can come to understand this. And thanks be to God that He does not discriminate against anyone. There is no difference; God is the God of all people and bestows His riches on all who know Him as their Lord. And being set free from having to earn our salvation, we can now turn to God in fear, love, and trust and share the blessings He has given us with those He places in our lives. Not because it contributes to our salvation but simply out of love for God and our neighbor. Christ has accomplished all the work needed for our salvation. The cross testifies to this fact.