Is Christianity a Religion? Let’s Settle the Debate
This podcast episode explores the debate over whether Christianity is a religion or a "rescue religion."
[0:00] Intro
[4:10] Is Christianity a religion?
[10:30] Is Christianity a “rescue religion”?
[15:30] Jesus, our Rescuer
[22:55] "Rescuer" by Rend Collective
[27:00] Final thoughts
Bible Verses:
Romans 5:8
Matthew 1:21
John 3:16
Titus 3:5
Ephesians 2:1-10
Philippians 2:12
Colossians 1:9-14
Luke 19:10
Galatians 5:22-23
John 14:6
John 6:44
Is Christianity a religion or a rescue religion?
Religions are humanity’s attempt to reach God. However, Christianity is about receiving God's gift of eternal life. It’s not about human efforts. Whether Christianity is called a religion or a rescue religion is less important than understanding its core message.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Unlike other religions, Christianity is not about works. It’s about receiving God's grace and mercy. Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasize that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned through works. Faith alone is sufficient for salvation.
Christianity is a rescue religion. Old Testament believers had their righteousness credited to them through their faith in God. We are rescued from our sin when we trust Jesus Christ. Christianity is about what Christ has done, not what humans can do for themselves. We get to live out our faith with the foundation of Christ first.
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14
Jesus rescues people from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, as stated in Luke 19:10. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
From my playlist: "Rescuer" by Rend Collective, is inspiring and truthful. Listen to the song and reflect on its lyrics, which emphasize the rescue of Jesus Christ. He rescues us from sin.