There are many natural remedies that are being promoted today. Some of
these do help, but many of them are simply a way for someone to make a
good deal of money from misinformed and, often, desperate people.
Some natural remedies can actually be dangerous. Some of those using
them are unaware of possible interactions these remedies can have with
other medications they are taking. By way of example, echinacea is
taken by many to help bolster their immune systems and to ward off
colds or the flu. However, echinacea thins the blood. If they would
need surgery, and the doctors do not know they have been taking it, it
could lead to excessive bleeding and perhaps death.
There is, however, a more dangerous natural remedy. This remedy is not
for a physical ailment, but a spiritual one. It is the remedy for
“guilt.”
As some do with physical diseases, individuals just ignore the guilt of
their sins until it is too late. However, millions turn to a very
dangerous natural remedy—religion!
Religion is very dangerous because it has a way of masking the guilt
without really providing a remedy. In other words it can make a person
feel good, but never really cure the problem of their sins. It might be
compared to a natural remedy that removes pain but not the disease.
Religion is “natural” in that it is man’s idea! It is not a
supernatural remedy from God, but a product of man’s thinking. Man
thinks you can obtain forgiveness from God by “doing something” — go to
church, say certain prayers, perform certain deeds, take part in
religious sacraments. These are all natural remedies that may make one
feel good about their sins, but never remove them in the sight of God.
This is a deadly natural remedy, which is not a remedy at all! The
Bible calls them “dead works.” (Hebrews 9:14) In others words, works
that cannot produce spiritual life.
Listen to what the Bible says about the natural remedy of religious
works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should
boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 “Not by works of righteousness which we have
done, but according to his mercy he saved us” (Titus 3:5)
The Bible, in contrast to man’s natural thinking, says we are saved by
grace and that grace cannot be earned by works. “And if by grace, then
is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. (Romans 11:6)
You cannot earn a gift!
This is the wonderful truth of the Bible—God wants to give you
forgiveness and eternal life! He is not asking you to earn it by
working for it. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty of
your sins on the cross. Jesus said as He died, “It is finished!” (John
19:30)
You cannot receive forgiveness from God by man’s natural remedy of
religion, but by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior!
Read your Bible to see how you can be saved from God’s judgment and
assured of going to heaven through faith in Jesus Christ. Start
reading in the Gospel of John.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.” John 3:16
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of
debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth
the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:4-5)