Suppose you had no religion, and you decided you would look into different religions to find one that pleased you, what would you like it to offer you? - Forgiveness? A clear conscience? A place in Heaven? I'm sure you would list several things.
There is one very important thing that many people would not require from their religion, yet it is a mark of true religion. See if it is something that you would want a religion to be able to give to you.
A blind man whom Jesus had healed was called to meet with the Pharisees. "Give glory to God," they said. "We know this man (Jesus) is a sinner." (verse 24.)
The Pharisees had made up their minds that they would neither believe in Jesus nor in His message. (John 9:22.) But it is impossible to "give glory to God" and to dishonour Jesus at the same time! "No one who denies the Son has the Father." (1st John 2:22-23. 4:2-3,14.)
The despised beggar answered them, "Whether He is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (verse 25.)
But even this changed life did not make them think of how wrong they were to reject Jesus - the Saviour God had given for mankind. (1st John 4:14. John 3:16-19.)
"We are disciples of Moses!" they said. "We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."
The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where He comes from, yet He opened my eyes....If this man were not from God, He could do nothing." (verses 28-33. )
Was a changed life one of the things you would want from religion?
GOD certainly wants to change your life - to do for you a far more wonderful thing than He did for this blind beggar! - but you must first want such a change in your life! Many people don't want their lives changed by God in this way!
Often you hear people say, "Sure everybody sins!" and they use that as their excuse to go on sinning. If that is how you feel about sin then you will not be interested in the wonderful miracle God wants to do in your life. Nor will you be delighted by the change He has made in those who have truly trusted Jesus as their Priest and Saviour. (Ephesians 4:17-32.)
But, if you are wanting your life to be changed, and your love for sin to be taken away, there is certainly no religion that can do this for you! - BUT JESUS CAN! The person who puts his/her faith "in Christ for forgiveness, and salvation from sin, becomes "a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." (2nd Corinthians 5:17. 1st John 3:7-8.)
Don't be surprised to discover that religious leaders will ignore the miraculous change Jesus makes in the life of the person who trusts in Him. (Ephesians 2:8-10.) Don't be misled when some even go so far as to want you to "give God the glory" by trying to get you to deny that Jesus is the one and only Priest and Saviour, and to turn to their religion and priests instead! (Matthew 7:21-27. 15:8-9.)
No religion can take Jesus' place and give you a changed life!
Read this story in John's Gospel chapter 9, verses 24-34!
John Nixon, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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