September 2006

i’ve been challenged recently in my beliefs on the nature and scope of salvation. this has been sparked by conversations with fellow christians and seeking friends, as well as through thought-provoking books and messages - most notably Rob Bell and Brian McLaren. this seems to be a popular subject in christian circles currently.

i had somewhat of a breakthrough moment the other day when i played out a fictitional scenario where i was asked the question, “What is the point of your salvation?” I imagined one of my spiritually-seeking friends asking me this question in an attempt to figure out what i perceived as being the difference between her and me. Until recently, my answer would have centered on being Jesus saving me from the penalty of my sin, so that I can go to heaven when I die. But, now I’m beginning to see salvation from a broader perspective.

If the point of faith is only about my soul’s destiny once I die, it’s all too easy to fall into a coma, or worse, despair, in this life. I’m being taken back through what Jesus’ actual gospel (”good news”) was all about - the Kingdom of God. He announced the coming of the Kingdom now. Sure, God’s kingdom won’t fully take hold until Christ’s return, but we’re empowered to begin living the life of the Kingdom now. He’s left us his Spirit to live in us and give us strength to live this kind of life. Eternity isn’t only future, it has already begun.

So, the answer to the fictitional question is still a work in progress, but my best go at it right now is this: Jesus is saving me from a pointless life, restoring me to be the person i was created to be, and inviting me to join him in his larger project of restoring the world.

the spirit is truly an amazing person. frustrating because he can’t be nailed down. there’s no formula to figure him out. one experience with him cannot be duplicated no matter how you try to duplicate the environment, circumstances, etc. that preceded the experience. mysteriously, he lives within and yet can’t be manipulated or controlled.

i’ve been graced with several recent experiences with the spirit which have renewed a sense of awe and wonder. he’s succeeded in pointing me to see god as bigger and more awesome than i imagined. i’ve watched as god has worked through me, through the spirit in me, to accomplish things i have no ability to accomplish in my own strength. i’ve truly been made strong in my weakness. and i’ve been able to see the spirit at work through the lives of several others in my church community as well.

there’s something going on that’s bigger than us, and it’s exciting to watch. it’s humbling. it causes me to truly worship. i don’t have words for it. tears are the only way to express it.