Whether you were raised in a deeply religious home or you’re simply searching for truth in a confusing world, you’ve probably asked the big questions: Why am I here? Who is God? How can I know I’m accepted by Him?
If you’re like many people—especially those coming from Muslim backgrounds, or who’ve faced migration, war, or instability—you’ve been taught that religion is the path to God. Be good. Pray. Fast. Follow the rules. Obey your leaders. Maybe, if you do enough, you’ll be accepted. Maybe.
But what if I told you that the message of Jesus—the gospel—is something radically different from religion?
Let me explain.
Religion Says: “Do.” The Gospel Says: “Done.”
Religion teaches that we must earn God’s approval. It’s about keeping the rules, performing rituals, and avoiding sins—hoping that one day, our good deeds will outweigh our bad.
I understand that mindset. I was there too. Many Muslims I speak to here in France, especially those who have faced hardship, cling to religion because it gives structure, identity, and a sense of purpose.
But deep down, many also carry fear.
- Have I done enough?
- What if God is still angry with me?
- What happens if I die tonight?
Here’s the good news: The gospel isn’t about what you do. It’s about what Jesus has already done.
Jesus didn’t come to give us more rules. He came to give us a relationship with God, based not on performance, but on grace.
What Is the Gospel?
The word “gospel” means good news. And it truly is the best news in the world.
The gospel says:
God created you to know Him personally.
Sin (disobedience, selfishness, pride, anger, lust, etc.) separates us from Him.
No amount of religion or effort can fix this gap.
So God came down to us. Jesus, the Son of God, lived the perfect life we never could.
He died on the cross to take the punishment we deserved.
Then He rose again, conquering death, to offer us new life.
If you trust in Him—not in your own good works—you are completely forgiven and accepted.
This isn’t a religion. It’s a rescue.
Religion Tries to Reach God. The Gospel Is God Reaching You.
Religion builds ladders to climb up to God.
The gospel is God coming down the ladder to carry you up.
You don’t have to clean yourself up first. You don’t need to become “good enough.” Jesus meets you right where you are—broken, tired, guilty, and confused—and offers you a new heart and a fresh start.
This message is especially powerful for those who’ve had to flee their home countries, cross dangerous borders, or live without security or identity. When you feel like the world has forgotten you, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
But What About Islam—or Any Other Religion?
I say this with respect: Islam teaches that God is merciful, but it also demands constant effort to earn that mercy. Your relationship with Allah depends on your faithfulness, prayer, fasting, and obedience.
In Christianity, your relationship with God depends on His faithfulness.
Yes, God is holy and just. But He is also a Father who runs toward His lost children. In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a rebellious son who runs away and wastes his life. But when he returns home, the father doesn’t punish him. He runs to meet him, hugs him, and throws a party.
That’s how God receives us through Jesus.
Jesus: Not Just a Prophet, But a Savior
Many Muslims already believe Jesus (Isa) was a great prophet. But the Bible shows He is far more.
He claimed to forgive sins. He said He would die and rise again. He called God His Father. And He invited people to follow Him personally—not just His teachings.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
That’s a bold statement. But Jesus didn’t just say it. He proved it by rising from the dead.
You Don’t Need Religion. You Need Jesus.
You can go to the mosque every day or church every Sunday. You can give to the poor, memorize scripture, or live a moral life. But if your heart is far from God, what’s the point?
Jesus didn’t die so we could be more religious. He died so we could be reborn.
The Bible says:
“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
That means you can’t earn salvation. It’s a gift.
Just like you didn’t earn your first breath when you were born, you can’t earn your spiritual rebirth either. It’s a miracle from God, and it starts with simple trust.
This Is for You—Right Now
Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re searching. Maybe you’ve tried religion and still feel empty.
Jesus says: “Come.”
Not when you get your life together. Not when you understand everything. Not when you feel worthy.
Come now. Just as you are.
God knows your story—your fears, your failures, your past, your culture. He knows your name. He sees you.
He’s not asking you to change your religion. He’s asking you to receive His love and follow Him.
What Should I Do?
Here’s how you can respond to this invitation:
- Be honest with God. Talk to Him like a friend. Admit your need for Him.
- Believe in Jesus. Trust that He died for your sins and rose again to give you life.
- Surrender your life. Invite Jesus to lead you, change you, and make you new.
You can pray something like this (prayer doesn’t save you—faith does—but this can help express your heart):
“God, I’ve tried to reach You through religion, but I still feel far away. I need You. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Please forgive me, give me a new heart, and help me follow You. I want to know You, not just know about You. Amen.”
