I once watched a video about an Hindu festival touted to be the largest religious gathering in the world. In one week, over 80 million people gathered to bath at the river ganges. The whole event was officiated by 23,000 Hindu priests whose duty was to help comers in washing at the river.

From all over India, people came by train and through other means. A young man was interviewed and asked why he came. He said he came to bath at the river for his sins to be washed away perhaps he might be forgiven. I saw men pouring sand on their heads and walking barely naked. They were seeking salvation in one way or the other.

Recently, I taught my parishioners on how to witness to people of a particular religion. I discussed the beliefs of that religion on salvation with my people and I showed them where it differs from ours. Apparently, all religion in the world believe that salvation can only be earned by works aside Christianity. It is a major distinguishing factor that separates us from the rest.

According to the bible, salvation is not something you can earn by works or effort. Man's attempt to earn salvation through his personal effort is what created religion. The drive behind religion is not grace but works. In this context, that is why we say Christianity is not a religion.

That is why the reformers couldn't withstand the religious practices of their day that sought to put people in bondage to rituals and sales of indulgence. Martin Luther discovered that what the bishops of his day and church institution of that time were trying to do through rituals has been done by Christ. From the anvil of reformation came the Latin slogan "Sola Gratia" meaning by grace alone.

What other religion are trying to obtain through good works, the sacrifice of Christ gave it to us freely. The bible says, "He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins"( Eph 1:7). Halleluyah!!!

It is nice to know that my sins are forgiven not because of any special work of my own righteousness or observance of a day or ritual but by his grace alone. He paid the price for my salvation, I only believed him. That's all. It sounds so cheap and easy for religion to comprehend, probably, that is why many are yet to accept Christ.

As you witness the gospel to sinners, simply show them God's grace. That is what they need. When the grace of God that brings salvation is not revealed, man will keep wallowing in religion. Pray them into this revelation.