Why does religion always demand works while the gospel says we do nothing?
Religion, by definition, is man attempting to merit favor with God, so it always demands works and tells people what to do and not do. The true Gospel says you do nothing because God has done it all: Christ redeemed us from the Law's curse by taking that curse upon Himself.
Les explains that people must stop and think whether they are trying to attain salvation by some kind of works religion, because that is what it becomes. Religion is man attempting to somehow merit favor with God, while Christianity is God reaching down in grace and saving sinful men. Religion will always demand works and tell people what they have to do and what they cannot do. But true Gospel Christianity says you do nothing, because God has done it all. Ephesians 1:13 says Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law. The Law curses everyone who does not keep every jot and tittle to perfection, but Christ has taken the curse of the Law upon Himself, being made a curse for us, for it is written, cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.