by Josh Duncan
I've been a little slow making part 2 of this post, so if you missed part 1, you can read it HERE.
Let's look at 2 common statements people in the south make regarding their salvation...
#1 I got saved...
Based on my upbringing and the context I've heard this phrase used, it is almost always a reference to the fact that someone has been "saved" from going to Hell. Now, before I say anything else, let me say that Jesus is the way to Heaven (and to avoid Hell); however, for someone to view salvation as purely an after death issue is to completely miss the heart of the gospel. Go back and carefully read through the New Testament. You'll notice that Jesus talked much more about life on earth than He did eternity. At the same time, it's also important to understand what Jesus meant by the Kingdom of God... this isn't just an eternal concept. The Kingdom of God is what we, as believers, have the privilege of living in right now. We are to advance His Kingdom here on this earth by joining Him in His mission. Yes, the Kingdom also has a future perspective in mind, but it must be seen as both present and future.
When you get "saved," you are to confess Jesus as Lord. You are to believe to the point of taking action. (Romans 10:9-10). This means that He is NOW your Lord... The one in control of your life. Salvation (being a Christian) isn't simply an eternal issue. Check out 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. Jesus doesn't give out fire insurance. Instead, He invites us into a relationship with Him. When you truly understand salvation, you'll realize that Heaven is merely the icing on the cake because there's much we are to experience in this life right now!
#2 I asked Jesus into my heart...
I once heard about something that happened at a local church during VBS. In their attempt to be creative in sharing the gospel with kids, they used a boat analogy. Using a real-life boat in the center of the room, they explained to the kids that when boats have leaks, the leaks need to be fixed. If the leaks aren't fixed, it can cause serious problems. They then told the kids that they (the kids) were like boats and their sin was the leaks that needed to be fixed. This was then followed-up with, "So if anyone would like a new boat, then please come forward." Needless to say, a lot of kids wanted a relationship with Jesus... a new boat. I applaud the creativity, but question whether or not the full gospel was presented. Unfortunately, presentations like this happen all too often and lead people to "ask Jesus into their heart" (give them a new boat) only to never experience true spiritual birth (salvation).
Here's my point... When someone receives the gift of salvation and surrenders their life to being a disciple of Jesus, this is a spiritual birth. It's an experience that dramatically impacts a person's life moving forward. The unfortunate thing in our culture is that many people only have a conceptual understanding of Jesus, and not a birthed relationship with Him. Many people have "intellectually" understood the concept of sin, Jesus, Heaven, church, etc, but it's never became personal and impacted how they live. They've "asked Jesus into their heart", attend church 3 times a week, and have a Jesus fish on their car. They love the concept of Jesus, but have little to no interest in truly following Him with their life. Until spiritual birth happens, this person isn't a Christian. These are Jesus' words, not mine... John 3:3-7
If I can help you better understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, please don't hesitate to send me an email... josh@overflowknoxville.com
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