Deep Question #4 - Weekend Edition
So here we are, having posted over the past few days on what I think of "original sin" and sin and sins and all that. My take on sin is basically "anything that's done or thought without regard for God" - and it's that lack of reality that messes up the world as we know it, as we strive to live in it.
So my next big question is: What is "salvation"? The most-used topic for evangelism is a sinner's destiny in hell, but is that enough? Is that all "being saved" is all about, escaping hellfire judgment? And if it's more than that - then what is it?
posted by Rick @ 4:42 PM
5 Comments:
see, that's where i've got the problem, wesley - why does salvation start with escaping hell. are people coming to Jesus because of fear? or from His love and grace? and if it's the former, wouldn't that explain why there's so many people claiming to be christian (get-out-of-hell folks), but who aren't repentant, aren't living it as disciples?
my thought go all over the place on this. can you tell? :)
I think "Escaping From Hell" is a lot different than simply "Living In Fear Of Hell..."..
This reminds me of a study I once heard about the Prodigal Son. The one son strives to win the love and approval of the father, not realizing he already has it. He lives in fear of hell -- believing that one wrong step could land him there. He figures all the good stuff he does is tallying up points and the one who has the most points in the end will win. He get's pretty peeved that he loser brother comes home and ends up with the same point tally. NO FAIR! He's the one who's been doing it right! He's the one who deserves the reward.
The Prodigal basks in the love of the Father. He doesn't fear Hell -- he's already been there. He knows and understands what it means to be outside of the father's love. He knows and understands that he doesn't deserve his father's love, but he is willing to risk rejection and live as a lowly servant in his father's kingdom. He knows he deserves to be turned away, but still returns to the father. He is home because he chooses to return, and understands the nature and the value of the Father.
Both sons get it wrong at first. Only one son gets it right in the end. None of us really deserve the father's love. Not one.
I think salvation comes when we realize the gift of grace, when we accept forgiveness, when we realize we got it all wrong. It's only then that we actually begin to receive what God has for us. It's only then He can really begin a good work in us.
It's not the whole thing, but it's a start...
I just re-read what I wrote and realized I didn't finish my beginning thought. I think when Wesley says we "escape from hell" he's right -- if we define hell as life without the love of God.
Thank you, W. (we are literally on line at the same moment. Cool!)
Thanks, Rick :)
Post a Comment
<< Home