JEFF TURNER

Religion often promises to make people better. It claims to help them overcome bad habits and sinful desires. However, these efforts fail to free us from guilt and condemnation. Many believe that by following rules, practicing rituals, or striving to obey perfectly, they can earn God’s favor. This is the essence of human religion: a cycle of trying harder to fix ourselves.

The problem lies in the human heart. Every person has a God-given conscience that reminds us of our guilt before Him. Deep down, we know He exists, and we feel accountable to Him. Yet, instead of turning to Him, the natural response is to attempt self-improvement, hoping to make ourselves acceptable. But this leads to slavery to sin, guilt, and an endless cycle of failure.

Scripture tells us the truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Only Jesus can set us free from sin’s power and the weight of condemnation. Religion is man’s effort. But salvation comes as a gift through faith.

Have you experienced this life-transforming freedom? Come to Jesus in simple faith, and He will lift the burden of guilt and give you peace with God.