The Difference Between Religion and the Gospel

by Mark Driscoll

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

Religion has good people and 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 has the goal to get stuff 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 ends in pride or despair.
Gospel ends in humble joy.

(c)Rocky Henriques February 16, 2009
“The Timothy Report,”