The past couple of weeks I’ve been reading a book by Mike Erre called Death by Church. The book purposes a case for what the church should be, how it relates to the world and furthers the kingdom. Erre makes a bold and truthful statement of the Christian’s concept of salvation. I think this rings true more than we care to admit, or even do anything about. Here is what he has to say:
Our traditional conceptions of salvation are blatantly more individualistic, focusing on one’s individual reconciliation with God through a personal relationship with Jesus. The emphasis seems to be only on giving Jesus our sins and not on every area and aspect of our human life. It is more concerted with getting souls to heaven that with bringing heaven to earth. This narrow gospel focuses only on the salvation of the human soul, but the gospel of the kingdom includes the salvation of human beings within the context of the larger story of God restoring all of creation.
This rings loud and clear with what I grew up with. With my own life. Salvation, accepting Jesus was just a way to get into heaven. But it’s so much more than that. There is such a higher calling, a higher risk, a higher cost. I believe its something to be considered weightily. Are you willing to sacrifice choosing the kingdom of God or the kingdom of this world?
I would agree with this statement totally. However I think what happens when you subscribe to such a statement people seem to get flat out angry. Salvation is definitely through faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone. However we seemed to have cheapened it down to say a prayer and bam you are in. This is why we have so many people that profess faith in Christ when in reality have no faith in Christ. Good post. And I want that book ha.
Chris and Josh –
you are both exactly right. The sad thing is that is how most of today’s Christianity wants it. The easy prayer makes it happen scenario of salvation is much easier. Accepting by grace requires us to admit some unsavory things about ourselves.
I believe that it must be a balance of the two. A bringing and an accepting. A Kingdom of the Gospel perspective and a Gospel of the Kingdom. The bible is clear that the Kingdom lies within us as believers. But that birthing process is the individualistic aspect of receiving salvation. Where it gets of is when it stays isolated. The sign of a maturity is giving. And the most precious gift we can give is the Kingdom of God.
What the author writes soungs good, very good, but has any questioned what he means by …”story of God restoring all of creation.” Also i noticed that he talks about how indivisualistic salvation is but that is the way salvation is. I, meaning me, need to repent and accept christ as my lord and saviour. You can’t do it for me, my mother can’t do it for me not even my preist. This is the way God did it.
What is universal in the the gospel is the statement at his birth in Luke 2:10 “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” So salvation is to all people. They Just have ti indivisually choose.
Who do we tell the “Good News” to