As opposed to so much empty religious ritual...do
"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6:28-29)
I Corinthians 9:27 But I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection : lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway.
I also don't see how "abide in goodness" here
Romans 11:21 For if God hath not spared the natural branches, fear lest perhaps he also spare not thee.
Romans 11:22 See then the goodness and the severity of God: towards them indeed that are fallen, the severity; but towards thee, the goodness of God,if thou abide in goodness, otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
can possibly be construed as meaning only to keep believing as opposed to meaning that we must persist in reflecting Christ in our lives by our actions.
I understand the contrary point of view, I just don't see how it holds water in light of what Christ and the Apostles taught. Especially the fact that Paul, of all people, was concerned with doing rather than only with believing lest he become a castaway.
Thank you Mitch- you are correct. What I meant was that religion equates to man made laws, rules and regulations and that Christianity means belief, faith and surrender to Jesus Christ, our Salvation. Religion will not get you into heaven but complete surrender to Jesus will.