Jesus is our gift of righteousness.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5v21

– Not about being good or religious – can forget what the gospel truly is!

– A most succinct summary of the gospel – 1 Cor 15v1-4. We must be continually reminded…

– Opposite of the gospel is idolatry from which flows all other sins

Differences between Religion & the Gospel….

1. Religion – God will not love me until I obey its rules

Gospel – I am loved so that we might obey him

2. Religion – Checklists to judge people

Gospel – All have sinned & fallen short of the glory of God

3. Religion is about what you DO

Gospel – All about what Jesus has DONE for you (grace)

4. Religion is about getting from God

Gospel – We get God our greatest treasure

5. Religion focuses on the external

Gospel – concerned with your internal self (col 3v5)

6. Religion – we lack assurance

Gospel – Blessed assurance in Christ (1 John 5v11-14)

7. Religion does not work – despair or pride

Gospel – humbly confident & joyful life. Salvation is a gift from Jesus

Gift of righteousness through faith – not rule-keeping! (Eph 2v8-9)

Luther the ‘Great Exchange’

Salvation is through the grace of God alone – a gift of righteousness