CHILDREN’S CHRISTIANITY VS. RELIGION SERIES
PREP SCHOOL
CHRISTIANITY VS. RELIGION - PART 1
Let us begin our study with a short story- Imagine that you ride your bike to school and have gone the same exact way for the last 2 years. One day you notice that there are new signs put up along the way. One reads, “Bikes on path only” and another one says, “Stop here”. You realize that you have been riding your bike unsafely, not staying on the bike path or stopping where you should have! OOPS! You start to feel a little guilty for riding wrongly without even knowing it. You know, though, that these signs were put into place to tell you how you should be riding in order to keep you and others safe.
Romans 5:13 “For until the Law, sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.”
Without the rules, or law, you would not have realized that you were riding unsafely or “sinning”! Now that you do know, you begin doing your best to obey the laws so that you do not get into trouble. One day, your mom tells you that you need to start wearing glasses every day in order to see more clearly. You do as she says and always make sure to wear them. As you wear these new
glasses, the rules begin to make sense to you and you find that you actually want to obey them. As you see more and more clearly, you also begin to have a love for others that becomes your motivation to obey.
Romans 5:13 “For until the Law, sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.”
Without the rules, or law, you would not have realized that you were riding unsafely or “sinning”! Now that you do know, you begin doing your best to obey the laws so that you do not get into trouble. One day, your mom tells you that you need to start wearing glasses every day in order to see more clearly. You do as she says and always make sure to wear them. As you wear these new
glasses, the rules begin to make sense to you and you find that you actually want to obey them. As you see more and more clearly, you also begin to have a love for others that becomes your motivation to obey.
False religion was created by Satan, who hates God, in order to lead people away from true salvation and life with God. The world’s religion tells people that they are to DO and BE “good” but with the wrong power and for the wrong reasons. The Bible says we can only do truly good things with God’s power and our motivation should be love for Him and other people! Without the Word of God, we will approach doing “good” like it is a chore- doing things because we have to, in order to avoid punishment, and to look good to others. Without God’s Word, all we see is the street signs or laws. With it, we see the love of God!
See, false religion gives people bits and pieces of the truth and this causes people to trust in themselves instead of seeking the whole truth in God’s Word and learning to trust Him. Since Jesus Christ is the Word, when we get to know the Word, we get to know Him!
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
False religion teaches people that they must earn God’s love, earn salvation, and earn eternity with God. Therefore, people are left afraid and never sure of their relationship or future with God because they do not know Him.
1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
The Bible teaches that we must believe in and trust in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved from the power and penalty of sin and live a life of freedom in Christ. It says that God loves us with a perfect, never-ending love because of who He is, not because of any good that we do. We neither earn nor deserve His love and He does not stop loving us if we fail. It says that we will obey because of our love and gratitude and will have peace and joy!
John 15:10-11 “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
So, false religion says that we have the power to work for and get the credit for earning salvation. True religion teaches that Jesus Christ did all the work and we must believe in and live in that Truth. How wonderful the Truth is!
False religion teaches people that they must earn God’s love, earn salvation, and earn eternity with God. Therefore, people are left afraid and never sure of their relationship or future with God because they do not know Him.
1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
The Bible teaches that we must believe in and trust in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved from the power and penalty of sin and live a life of freedom in Christ. It says that God loves us with a perfect, never-ending love because of who He is, not because of any good that we do. We neither earn nor deserve His love and He does not stop loving us if we fail. It says that we will obey because of our love and gratitude and will have peace and joy!
John 15:10-11 “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
So, false religion says that we have the power to work for and get the credit for earning salvation. True religion teaches that Jesus Christ did all the work and we must believe in and live in that Truth. How wonderful the Truth is!
CHRISTIANITY VS. RELIGION - PART 2
In our last lesson we learned how false religion is designed to keep people from living a life of freedom in Christ, to keep people “working” to “earn” God’s love, peace, and salvation. How do we protect ourselves from false religion? We must read our Bibles, obey what it says, and pray every day so the Truth can protect us.
Philippians 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Do you remember our story from last lesson about riding your bike to school every day? We described how differently you see life once you look at it through the “glasses” of the Word of God. You begin seeing clearly and are motivated to “ride your bike safely” (obey the rules) because of your love for God and others. You end up obeying more now that you are motivated by love than when you were motivated by fear and a desire to impress! The Bible tells us that we are commandment to love.
John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”
If we love God and others, we will obey. We learn to love by learning the Word of God. Without it filling our thoughts and motivating us, we are blinded to the truth, which is what sets us free (John 8:32). Our soul thirsts for truth and if we do not satisfy it with God’s Word, the world will gladly quench our “thirst” with lies. These lies
are like salt water which only makes us thirstier! Only the Word of God can truly quench our thirst for Truth.
Philippians 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Do you remember our story from last lesson about riding your bike to school every day? We described how differently you see life once you look at it through the “glasses” of the Word of God. You begin seeing clearly and are motivated to “ride your bike safely” (obey the rules) because of your love for God and others. You end up obeying more now that you are motivated by love than when you were motivated by fear and a desire to impress! The Bible tells us that we are commandment to love.
John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”
If we love God and others, we will obey. We learn to love by learning the Word of God. Without it filling our thoughts and motivating us, we are blinded to the truth, which is what sets us free (John 8:32). Our soul thirsts for truth and if we do not satisfy it with God’s Word, the world will gladly quench our “thirst” with lies. These lies
are like salt water which only makes us thirstier! Only the Word of God can truly quench our thirst for Truth.
Like we were saying, the purpose of the Old Testament Law was to show people how much they needed a Savior- that they could never be “perfect enough” to save themselves from sin and be able to live with God in Heaven for all of eternity. Sadly, many did not accept the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when He came to Earth! Why? Because it takes humility- we have to accept the fact that we are not perfect, that we need to be saved from sin, and that we are unable to do it ourselves. Religion breeds arrogant thinking, which says, “I do not need a Savior, I can do it myself and I do not need a Lord, I am my own boss”! The Bible says…
James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
In its arrogance, religion also says that believing and trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ for salvation is just “too easy”. It asks questions like, “What about the really “BAD” sinners like murderers? Are you saying they can receive this kind of grace, too? You mean to tell me that these bad people can be saved and spend eternity with God the same way that I can?” Well, what does the Bible have to say?
James 2:10 “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.”
If we commit even one sin, then we are guilty of ALL sin because we immediately become imperfect! As you can see, then, we are ALL sinners and we are ALL imperfect. So, the answer to the questions above is, “yes”, a murderer can be saved just the way you can be- by belief and trust in the person and saving work of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Religion wants to add human works to the simple truth of the Gospel so people can take credit for their own salvation. The Bible clearly states that the gift of salvation is not earned and is done apart from any human works. We cannot work for, earn, or take the credit for salvation. Jesus Christ is the one who worked for, earned, and gets all the credit for the salvation of His children.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Thank you, Lord, for your work on our behalf. Thank you for offering this indescribable gift to us sinners and inviting us to live our lives for you and spend eternity with you.
James 2:10 “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.”
If we commit even one sin, then we are guilty of ALL sin because we immediately become imperfect! As you can see, then, we are ALL sinners and we are ALL imperfect. So, the answer to the questions above is, “yes”, a murderer can be saved just the way you can be- by belief and trust in the person and saving work of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Religion wants to add human works to the simple truth of the Gospel so people can take credit for their own salvation. The Bible clearly states that the gift of salvation is not earned and is done apart from any human works. We cannot work for, earn, or take the credit for salvation. Jesus Christ is the one who worked for, earned, and gets all the credit for the salvation of His children.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Thank you, Lord, for your work on our behalf. Thank you for offering this indescribable gift to us sinners and inviting us to live our lives for you and spend eternity with you.
CHRISTIANITY VS. RELIGION - PART 3
As we wrap up our study on the differences between true religion, Christianity, and false religion, we need to remember that religion is one of Satan’s most powerful weapons and he uses it to deceive people away from the Truth of salvation in Christ Jesus. Ask yourself this- What does God want to give us: a life of joy and peace based on our confidence in our eternity with Him or a life of rules and instructions for how to look holy to others, filled with insecurity and doubts about our future?
Jeremiah 29:11”’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
False religion teaches that not working to earn salvation is just “too easy”. It gives some of the credit for salvation to people instead of giving all of the credit to Jesus Christ, who did all of the work. Does God give people any credit for their own salvation? Well, what does the Bible have to say?
Galatians 2:16 “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
As you can see, people are given no credit at all. The Bible teaches that God gives us eternal life and upon salvation, we are assured that our eternity will be spent with Him. The most wonderful part of this is the blessing of getting to know God, personally. We do this through studying our Bible and through prayer.
John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Now that we know the differences between the two, we must realize that our battle does not end here. We will all face false religion throughout our life. Just because we know the truth does not mean that we will never be lied to or be tempted to believe those lies. As we read our Bibles, pray, and obey His Word every day His Truth becomes like a suit of armor that protects us.
Ephesians 6:13-17 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,”
You see, our focus is not to be memorizing Bible verses and following rules, but coming to know Jesus Christ and learning to love Him. Once we are confident in our salvation, grow to love the Lord, and develop the armor of protection through the power of His Word, then we are ready to defend the Gospel against the attacks from false religion.
1 Peter 3:15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
You may be thinking, “But what will I say?” God promises that if we faithfully study His Word and pray, He will tell us what to say when are called to defend the Truth of His Gospel.
Matthew 10:19 “…do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,”
In summary, false religion teaches that salvation and success or failure in life is based on our performance. The true religion God teaches in the Bible is that salvation and goodness is realized through Jesus Christ, and Him alone. When we believe this and trust in Him, we will find freedom for our soul.
John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Jeremiah 29:11”’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
False religion teaches that not working to earn salvation is just “too easy”. It gives some of the credit for salvation to people instead of giving all of the credit to Jesus Christ, who did all of the work. Does God give people any credit for their own salvation? Well, what does the Bible have to say?
Galatians 2:16 “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
As you can see, people are given no credit at all. The Bible teaches that God gives us eternal life and upon salvation, we are assured that our eternity will be spent with Him. The most wonderful part of this is the blessing of getting to know God, personally. We do this through studying our Bible and through prayer.
John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Now that we know the differences between the two, we must realize that our battle does not end here. We will all face false religion throughout our life. Just because we know the truth does not mean that we will never be lied to or be tempted to believe those lies. As we read our Bibles, pray, and obey His Word every day His Truth becomes like a suit of armor that protects us.
Ephesians 6:13-17 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,”
You see, our focus is not to be memorizing Bible verses and following rules, but coming to know Jesus Christ and learning to love Him. Once we are confident in our salvation, grow to love the Lord, and develop the armor of protection through the power of His Word, then we are ready to defend the Gospel against the attacks from false religion.
1 Peter 3:15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
You may be thinking, “But what will I say?” God promises that if we faithfully study His Word and pray, He will tell us what to say when are called to defend the Truth of His Gospel.
Matthew 10:19 “…do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,”
In summary, false religion teaches that salvation and success or failure in life is based on our performance. The true religion God teaches in the Bible is that salvation and goodness is realized through Jesus Christ, and Him alone. When we believe this and trust in Him, we will find freedom for our soul.
John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
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