The gospel of Christ is essentially different from
every religion in the world. It is different in one
vital point. THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST IS A MESSAGE OF GRACE
ALONE. Every religion in the world, except the gospel
of Christ, tells you to do something to recommend
yourself to God. It is the business of all false
religions to patch up a righteousness in which sinners
can stand before God accepted. It is the business of
the gospel preacher to proclaim a righteousness ready
made, a robe of righteousness ready to wear, a perfect
righteousness wrought out by Christ alone, in which
sinners stand eternally, immutably, unconditionally
accepted in the Beloved, perfect, complete, and without
fault before God. I hold before you perfect
righteousness in Jesus Christ, the righteousness he
accomplished on behalf of sinners by his obedience as
our Substitute, a righteousness without any works,
conditions, or stipulations to be met by you (Rom.
5:19). Will you receive this free-grace righteousness,
by faith alone, without works; or will you perish,
seeking to establish righteousness by the works of your
own hands? (See Rom. 9:31-33).
WORKS RELIGION, UNDER ANY NAME, IS DAMNING
RELIGION. Any religion that conditions salvation upon
something you must do, be it a work ever so small, is
antichrist. Any religion that conditions any part of
salvation upon you is damning to your soul. REDEMPTION
is not a work to be completed and made effectual by
you. It is an effectual work, completely accomplished
by Christ (John 19:30). REGENERATION does not depend
upon your will, but upon God's will (Rom. 9:16).
JUSTIFICATION, SANCTIFICATION, PRESERVATION, AND
GLORIFICATION are all works of grace alone. They do not
depend upon man's obedience, but only upon Christ's
obedience! If you would be saved, you must give up your
works and trust the Lord Jesus Christ alone! If you do
anything by which you hope to win God's favor, or
improve your standing before him, "Christ shall profit
you nothing" (Gal. 5:2-4).