Nothing exposes and aggravates the religious pretender more than the presence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Everywhere he went and everything he said and did exposed the pretense and hollow shell of their ways. Religion has doctrine, tradition, and ceremony; religion has the power or organization, majority influence, and universal acceptance. They have a message that appeals to the world and appeals to the understanding of depraved sinners.

The thorn in the side of religion is the Lord Jesus Christ. Who is this man? Why did he come? What did he do? Where is he now? These are just a few of the things that cause them grief and trouble. Religion is quite content to continue in their moral reform, ceremonies, rituals, and duties. They live contented with their Sabbath keeping and celebrations of days and social meetings. All is well until the Lord Jesus Christ comes in the power and glory of his person and creates life in a dead sinner. All of a sudden the eyes of the people are shifted from ceremonial form to one who has the power and right to give life to the dead. Religion has every natural advantage but they do no have Christ.

Their power is legislative and judicial – His power is divine and spiritual. Their power is in things visible – His in things not seen. Their power is in buildings, organizations, and influence – His by omnipotent grace. No matter how impressive religion is it cannot conquer sin, give life, and justify guilty sinners before a Holy God. No matter how much worldly influence they have or how many proselytes they produce they cannot raise the dead.

It is not my desire to convert my generation from Arminianism to Calvinism, but to confront them with the person and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. When he himself comes to the tomb and calls his elect to life and hope and liberty all who rest in their hollow shell of religion are made to ask, “What do we do with this man?”