Are there rules in Christianity? There are in Islam. Islam is a tremendous system of rules and laws. By following these laws one obtains points, or thawab to gain favor with Allah at the Day of Judgment, and a better chance to enter paradise. One of the things which often attracts a Muslim to Christianity is our freedom in Christ. The fact that we are loved and accepted by God without good deeds is a refreshing change from being burdened with heavy labor.
But the Christian life does contain disciplines. In this video Dr. Cynthia asks Rev. Georges Houssney, if there are rules in Christianity. She explains to him the challenges she has faced in encouraging new believers from a Muslim background to grow in disciplines like Bible study and prayer, without making them feel like they have simply entered another system of rules.
Houssney affirms that yes, Christians are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8,9), not by our good deeds. However, if we want to grow as Christians we need to follow certain things called disciplines. We are not obligated to do these for salvation, but if we do not, we will not fully live in Christ. For example, to live we need to breath, eat, and drink. Similarly, to live spiritually we need to read the Word of God and pray. The fruit of the Spirit of self-control enables us to do these things (Galatians 5:22). (See also videos on “Christian Liberty, with Georges Houssney” and “Disciplines of the Christian Life, with Mike Licona.”)
