The concept of salvation has not only been minimized (my earlier post), it has been made into a sort of Las Vegas magical trick of sorts. In our self-estrangement from God, we move into an arena of arrogance and pride in who we are as humans, capable of so many great things. Salvation isn’t like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, everyone cheering, and then going on about our own merry way. That’s what many do. That’s what the church too often believes and accepts. But neither are valid.
We were created in the image of God! Everyone (and I mean that literally) is so created which means that we ALL have sufficient of a reflection of God within us to make it possible for us to do more than stand in the doorway of salvation’s house, but to fully enter in.
Too often the church has said, like a game show host, COME ON DOWN!
Come down, repeat some form of a sinner’s admission of guilt, and then pray for God to forgive us of our sins. Maybe get baptized and definitely join the church to make it legal and binding. There you have it and ther you stand in the glow of the local assembly: proud of their accomplishment in adding a new name to the heavenly rolls (as though the church did it). And there you stand, holding this rabbit by the ears and whispering to yourself.
Now WHAT?
Hopefully someone will be there to not indoctrinate you into religion, the denomination, or even the local church rules; but into the Kingdom possibilities. Hopefully someone will be your guide to show you the ropes, and ask you to join them in going places that even they have not ventured. In this way, the Christian journey is not only exciting, it’s REAL.
No magic acts here!
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