If religion is not needed for salvation, it won't be taught by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The word religion was originated from the Greek word "Threskeia" which is called "Religare" in Latin and that's where the English word "Religion" is gotten from.
From the latin word Religare which means to bind again, religion means to bind, to reunite, to connect with our creator again. We have gone astray and far from our maker by going against the will of God, living unrighteous and unholy life, therefore the only way we can get back to our maker is through religion.
Religion brings us back to God, by teaching us the ways of God. We should belong in the true religion of God in order to come back to our maker. By practicing the components of religion which is showing charity to the fatherless, widows, less privilege and doing good to everyone around us.
God bless you all 馃檹