Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
The gospel cannot be forced on anyone because it is a gospel of the spirit, not of flesh. If a religion can be forced upon anyone, it is not of God because God’s gospel is for the cleansing of the heart, and not for a proper form for the body.
Throughout history, Christianity has successfully compelled untold millions by force to submit to its authority and traditions. If Christianity had been of God, Christian leaders could never have done that. And if Christian leaders had been of God, they would never have wanted to do that.
If it is forced, it is law, not grace. “And by works of law shall no flesh be justified before God.” If it can be imposed on people, it is not the gospel; stay away from it.