People have many different opinions on what constitutes Christianity and Janie B. Cheaney points out a couple of these differing opinions in a recent article. Some believe Christianity is discovering the right rules God has setup for us and then following those rules Others believe it is a personal relationship with Jesus. [1]
There are problems with both opinions. Jesus preached against just following the rules the Pharisees and Sadducees had setup. Jesus told a parable of a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee’s prayer was about how he followed all the rules of his religion: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” In contrast the tax collector just humbly admitted his failures (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee followed all the right rules but Jesus said that only the tax collector was justified before God.
If we view Christianity solely as a relationship with Jesus then of what does that relationship consist? Jesus’ disciples had a relationship with him but very few were at his crucifixion. The vast majority of his disciples deserted him in his moment of greatest need. What kind of a relationship is that? Can we have a relationship with Jesus and yet do what we want, ignoring what he desires?
I believe salvation requires both following the rules Jesus has given us and a relationship with Jesus. As Jesus states, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” So why does not our doctrine of salvation include both?
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[1] Janie B. Cheaney, “Lord and friend”, World Magazine, September 2, 2007, p. 14.