Does religion save people?
Question:
Hi,
I became a Christian two years ago, and I was thinking about if I need a religion to be saved. I just think that I'm saved because Christ died on the cross for my sins, so if I accepted him as my Lord and Savior, I'm saved. Am I wrong? I'm convinced I'm saved because of Christ, and I know churches are very important for our growth, but does religion itself save? Help me, please.
Thanks in advance!
Answer:
You've started down the road of salvation, but you haven't finished the journey. I have some things I want you to read -- including looking up all the verses in your Bible:
To ask if religion saves is a strange way of wording your question because "religion" is the system of what you believe. Belief is necessary for salvation. "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10). But not all faith is the same. "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ... You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!" (James 2:14, 19). The point is that faith by itself is inadequate. I guess you can conclude then that religion is necessary, but by itself is inadequate.
Another article, probably closer to what you were wanting to ask is: Christians Without Churches?
