Religion by Self-Effort: Please God by our own good deeds
Salvation by Faith: Trust in Christ and then live to please God
Religion by Self-Effort: Practice, diligent service, discipline, and obedience, in hope of reward
Salvation by Faith: Confess, submit, and commit ourselves to Christ’s control
Religion by Self-Effort: Good, honest effort through self-determination
Salvation by Faith: The Holy Spirit in us helps us do good work for Christ’s Kingdom
Religion by Self-Effort: Self-motivation; self-control
Salvation by Faith: Christ is in us; we are in Christ
Religion by Self-Effort: Chronic guilt, apathy, depression, failure, constant desire for approval
Salvation by Faith: Joy, thankfulness, love, guidance, service, forgiveness
Salvation by faith in Christ sounds too easy for many people. They would rather think that they have done something to save themselves. Their religion becomes one of self-effort that leads either to disappointment or pride, but finally to eternal death. Christ’s simple way is the only way, and it alone leads to eternal life.