Filthy Rags -- Neil C. Parks

<p>Religion: <br /> The term religion is used by most to describe a person that seeks and strives to work their way into a state of worthiness and acceptance before a holy God, with their goodness and efforts of works put forth as the offering. Sadly, enough religion is not understood by most people and Christians as well. The natural mind will always rationalize its behavior in hopes it will convince the Creator of the universe to accept the goodness of deeds or overlook the pettiness of mistakes. If that is the case then there is no need for the New Testament Bible.</p><p><br /> Grace: <br /> Grace is unmerited favor, or in other words, the complete opposite of religion. Grace provides forgiveness of every sin with the assurance of no recall. "Their sins and lawless deeds will be remembered no more" (Heb. 10:17). Grace is what has already been done for mankind. The payment of the sin debt is too costly for mankind to consider paying. The shed blood of Christ is the only reason we have the forgiveness of sin. Without the shedding of His Blood there is no hope.<br /> </p><p>Author: <br /> His testimony of faith and hope in Christ is what drives Neil C Parks to share from his heart in prisons, jails, mission fields, churches, and wherever else the Lord takes him. After his surrender to Christ, his life dipped to a low point regarding worldly possessions, losing a business, friends and a marriage. But to him the gain of knowing Christ far outweighed the losses of the world. "I