28th February 06
Salvation is not merely about “the elect” finding a secret cure for original sin on a personal level. The question is not, “If you were to die tonight, do you know for certain that you’d go to be with God in heaven?” but rather “If you were to live for another fifty years, what kind of person would you like to become – and how would you become that kind of person?” On a more social level, “If Jesus doesn’t return for ten thousand or ten million years, what kind of world do we want to create?”
Those of us who profess to believe and participate in God’s kingdom must believe and participate in the salvation of the world. “To believe in God is to believe in the salvation of the world. The paradox of our time is that those who believe in God do not believe in the salvation of the world, and those who believe in the future of the world do not believe in God.”
Above thoughts unabashedly stolen from Brian McLaren
osubeth: personal salvation must produce a lifestyle that works toward salvation of the world. otherwise, it doesn’t seem as though God really gave you a new heart, his heart. on the other hand, working to help others doesn’t produce personal salvation, that is purely grace extended through a personal relationship with Jesus. 4 years ago
pb49r: To IamNicksMom, we are on the same page. Who can really change this world? What we must do is change ourselves, and influence the world. When I die, I want to leave this world a better place, or at least my corner of it. pb49r4 years ago
IamNicksMom: If you were to live for another fifty years, I think the question should be: How can I become more like the person God envisioned, and what can I do to serve Him – it’s not what kind of world do I want to create, it’s what fulfills His vision.4 years ago
kathrynxa: sorry I missed you when you were here. Hope you are well and good job on England…4 years ago
presvlisa:
Beautiful!
Esther here is a book for you.
4 years ago
davidannweiser: heck yes! good word!4 years ago
TamaraMamma: Excellent response to the friendship evangelism question.4 years ago