Thoughts on Salvation

If the non-believer's starting point is corruption of will, emotions, mind, body, etc., then the birth of the new man is truly miraculous. It is sad how trite much of the church has become with salvation. We take it for granted, using the term "saved" as if it was something natural, something we conjured up one day when we raised our hand and walked forward during the altar call. Being a Christian has become trendy. Bumper stickers and slogans abound. You've seen them: "I'm not perfect, just forgiven"; "NOW"; "WWJD"; "No Jesus, No Peace"; "Know Jesus, Know Peace"; "Life is Hell without Jesus"; "In case of rapture, this car will be unmanned"; and let us not forget the larger fish swallowing the DARWIN fish.

But if we understood the Biblical causes and significance of salvation, our approach would be anything but trite. Slogans would be banished. Bumper stickers would be revised. Worship styles and lyrics would be rethought and rewritten. Church services would not seek to make unbelievers "comfortable." In short, churches would act like the Church, not like a social gathering or a self-esteem pep rally. We would be more concerned about hearing a 2000 year old message than making church more "attractive."

Christians must echo the apostles' question: "Who then can be saved?" They also must internalize Christ's response: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Christ's words are both humbling and radical. He removes man from the salvation equation, leaving only God's work.

It appears that American Christians need a wake up call. They need to return to the simplicity and candidness of Jesus' message. Christianity Today published an article on "branding" Jesus. Our Lord and Savior has been reduced to one choice among many. The One and Only is preached and marketed as if He is the Many and Un-Unique.

Until we realize that Christ is both the "Author and Perfecter" of our faith, our striving for holiness will mean nothing. Why? Because "apart from [Him we] can do nothing." I think Michael Horton said it best...we must put "amazing back into grace."