> Many people—whether in churches, denominations, or other religions—place their confidence for salvation, knowingly or not, in their moral efforts, religious heritage, or personal righteousness. This error is as old as humanity itself and as serious as eternal life and death. Scripture warns us with sobering clarity that to trust in our own righteousness for salvation is to turn away from the only true source of righteousness: the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”
Augustus Toplady
✨ Discover FAQs of Faith Mobile App! ✨Looking for a convenient way to access all your favorite faith-based content? Introducing the FAQs of Faith mobile app, your go-to resource that combines insightful and inspiring content from Faith Answers Press LLC into one easy-to-use platform. Whether you’re seeking answers to faith questions, daily inspiration, or spiritual growth resources, our app has it all. 📲 Download now and start your journey! Click on FAQs of Faith
The Tragedy of Zeal Without Truth
Paul’s heart ached for his own Jewish people, who were “zealous for God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2, ESV). He continues: “For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
(Romans 10:3–4, ESV)
The same tragedy is repeated today. Countless souls tenaciously try to build their own ladder to heaven through rituals, good works, or religious rules—whether in Judaism, Islam, Catholicism, or even within other self-righteous expressions of Christianity and cults. Yet, none of these can give the righteousness that God demands.
As Charles Spurgeon wrote: “Morality may keep you out of jail, but it takes the blood of Jesus Christ to keep you out of hell.”
God’s Standard: Grace Alone
The gospel reveals a righteousness not earned but received by grace, fully accomplished by Christ’s sinless life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection. Paul declares: “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”
(Romans 11:5–6, ESV)
It is not because of effort, heredity, or religious devotion. As God told Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy” (Romans 9:15). Paul makes it unmistakably clear: “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” (Romans 9:16, ESV)
To trust in oneself, or even to mix Christ’s work with our own, is to miss the way altogether.
John Calvin emphasized: “Whoever is not satisfied with Christ alone, strives after something beyond absolute perfection.”
The Curse of Self-Effort
Trying to be accepted by God through our own obedience actually deepens our condemnation. Paul warns, “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’… But the law is not of faith, rather ‘The one who does them shall live by them.’”
(Galatians 3:10, 12, ESV)
The law demands perfect, unbroken obedience—something no sinner can offer. Only by trusting Christ—receiving His righteousness imputed to us—can we be justified.
Denominations, Religions, and the One Narrow Way
No group, tradition, or religious system can substitute for this faith. Any gospel—whether Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, or cultic—that points people to anything or anyone but Christ alone for justification is a fatal detour. Leaders through the ages have warned us: “If you add anything to grace, you destroy it altogether.”
— Martin Luther
Challenge: Examine Your Foundation
Dear reader, on what do you base your assurance of salvation? Is your hope anchored solely in Christ—His sinless life and saving death on your behalf—or subtly in your church attendance, sacraments, prayers, or moral efforts? Have you turned from confidence in self to rest completely in Jesus?
Let the cross alone be your plea before God. Today, humbly confess any self-trust, and receive by faith the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ, the only Savior of sinners. Consider the following quote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
— Jim Elliot
Jim Elliot was saying that it is wise—not foolish—to let go of temporary things here, including our pride, in order to obtain the eternal things God offers through Jesus Christ. True gain is found in surrendering our lives to Christ, no matter the cost, because the assurance of salvation and eternal life far outweigh any earthly sacrifice.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
Visit our companion site
Discover the Truth About Jesus Christ
Are you new to the Christian faith or seeking answers about Jesus? Visit JesusIsLordBlog.com for insightful articles, compelling reasons to believe, and a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. Start your journey today!
