Faith vs Religion

– Pastor Rusty – Sept. 4, 2026

“But also, for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 NKJV

I love this text and have drawn from many times. This passage is like water from a well that always holds fresh cold water for your spirit man. I’ve recently paid attention to the order of progression, that it is divinely ordered of the Lord. In every translation you are to build upon your faith. This has to be the core of all future construction. You cannot sidestep this one foundation. It begins with faith, not virtue, kindness, or godliness. Without faith as the foundation, you are left with religious deeds and religious construct. You cannot build upon virtue Without faith at the foundation. You will immediately lean into merit and religious deeds for your sanctification. You cannot be sanctified Without faith.

For by faith you are justified. (Gal. 2:16)

For by faith you are sanctified. (Acts 26:18).

For by faith you are saved. (Eph. 2:8).

Religion does not require faith to exist.🤔 Religion will force you on a journey of pursuing the need of validation…mostly from man. Faith exposes you directly to God through our Savior Jesus Christ. Faith accepts the value of the payment…The Blood of Jesus🩸! Faith is what is required when looking at creation. Faith in your Father, in heaven. Faith is how you look at your past. Faith is how you look at your future. Don’t look at your accomplishments, your wins or your losses… Look unto Jesus the author and the finisher of your faith. Pastor Rusty.

Image created by Belinda with AI