Salvation

Salvation means the state of being saved. For Christians, salvation comes through Jesus. We are saved from the penalty of sin. We are saved to a place of intimacy with our Lord.

People like to save themselves. Or so they think they are saving themselves. Salvations I have witnessed in 2 years of ministry include…

·         Salvation by vacation – Life is found in endless trips

·         Salvation by application (busyness) – Life is found in never stopping

·         Salvation by affiliation – Life is found through the success or work of others

·         Salvation by authorization – Life is found by looking the holiest or having the right thoughts

·         Salvation by accumulation – Life is found in amassing wealth or status symbols

The problem with these and others is this. We believe that we can save ourselves without help and we are robbed of really knowing God. We only want a "rescue" God.

I am aware that some Christians do not really want to know God and would rather do things their way. I love them and wait to pick up the pieces. But I believe God does not want pieces. We are too precious. God has our best interest in mind (in heart, too.)

The toast at an Italian wedding is "Salute!" meaning health or well-being. Each salvation listed above is good until it becomes a substitute for God. They promise well-being but, as gods of our own making, cannot ultimately deliver the life we seek. In the long run, as gods, they will crush us, zap our energy, demand of us, and let us down. When we bow down to "crazy busy" or any other god of our own making, we are short-changing ourselves. God has more.

Where do you go for salvation and well-being?

Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8