i think you get it right. english is not my primary language and i cannot elaborate it to the best english possible.
Discussion
Totally fine man!
Sometimes I think English isn’t my first language (or only) either LOL 🤣
So here is the easiest way to look at it.
Religion does not equal relationship with God!
It may make us feel like we are closer to Him, but until we accept His son Jesus, we are apart from the Father (God).
Religion is typically a set of rules…structure…it doesn’t depend on heart, mind, and life change…usually only one or two of those.
A Relationship with God through Jesus Christ restores us back into God’s family.
I don’t need a set of religious rules to do that…
I simply need to accept Christ as my Lord and Savior…and that is as simple as
1. admitting I’m a sinner,
2. believing Jesus did and rose again for the forgiveness of my sins (past, present, and future), and
3. confessing that to others (make it publicly known…often times “churches” will do this via Baptism)
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Now this is where religion rears its ugly head.
Some “churches” (religions) believe that until you are Baptized by your own choice (ie not as a baby when you had no choice) that you are not “saved”.
Relationship with God via Jesus does not indicate that in scripture.
Instead Baptism is a “practice”. An outward symbol of the internal heart, mind, and (to live out) life change you have chosen.
There is a lot more I could say on this whole topic but I don’t want to confuse you or muddy the picture at this point.
Simply put…
Being a Christian in about Restoring Relationship with God via Jesus (not some priest or pastor in the middle).
Religion often confuses and puts a block between the direct relationship we have to God the Father.
(We could talk about denominations and different “religious belief systems” with within and without protestism vs catholosim et cetera…but again that confuses instead of simplifies)
Just ask yourself…do I want my relationship restored with my Heavenly Father (God)…and if so;
A. Admit you are a sinner and ask for forgiveness
B. Believe Jesus died on the cross, rose again to forgive your sins.
C. Confess (often but not required via Baptism) that Jesus is now your Lord and Savior
It’s a simple 1 - 2 sentence prayer…not complicated nor convoluted by man
PS
I know I typed a lot…my apologies.
If it’s easier to go to DM or hop on a Zoom cal I’m happy to do so with you