Christ -- More than Religion, and More than Relationship -- Righteousness!

He looked straight at me. Simply, but smilingly, he said, "I've got religion." (Aa, pg 9)

Religion does not set a man free.

Religion merely ties a man down to different traditions, none of which can make a man holy, but in fact can bring forth the very sin which man wishes to eliminate in his life.

Jesus Christ did not come to give us rules, but a relationship in which He is our righteousness and we rest in Him:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11: 28)

and

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10)

and

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" (1 Corinthians 1: 30)

and

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5: 21)

This righteousness we receive in Christ because He died for us and He is raised for our justification.

Every believer lives in Christ, and He is seated at the right hand of the Father, far above all principality and power.

This same message is crucial, and must be preached.

Christ is not religion, and He is more than relationship. He is our righteousness, and apart from Him, we are nothing and we can do nothing (John 15: 5).