I think folks always want to gravitate toward some strict interpretation of certain verses over others because religion has been used so much in the past as a tool for controlling the masses……It seems like many times what folks are more concerned with than anything is the concept of someone “bending the knee” and conforming……coming down to the front of the church and getting on your knees……raising your hand…..saying these words I tell you to say….. professing your faith ….. getting dunked under the water…..yada…yada…yada…all of these ritualistic things that one must do to submit and conform……..If not then well…..you’re doomed to a fiery pit of hell because there’s only one way…….I just think that’s the “religion” coming out in us trying to condemn others for not conforming
For what its worth I take that verse blade quoted as meaning the same thing that was said in many other ways……The way to Heaven is through Jesus and what Jesus “is”……is beyond just a man…..its an idea and a blueprint for how one should seek to live their life…..Its the same as saying that the way to Heaven is through genuinely seeking goodness and love in your heart while having grace, mercy, and compassion for others……. What I take “not being works based” to mean is that you cant seek evil in your heart and then just do a few kind gestures to make up for it……This is why I cant get on board with this idea that religion likes to put on everyone that its not enough just to be a good person……you must also conform to x,y, and z……..…..From how I read it what truly matters is what’s in your heart and if that’s seeking goodness then there is no threshold of good works that one must accomplish.
