In the first two parts I covered two areas that some find offensive about Christianity; God and Sin. I would now like to wrap things up with one more area that for some is the greatest gift they have ever and will ever receive, and for others it is probably the most offensive message they have ever heard. So let us finish up here with salvation.
I think there are two groups that feel offended by salvation as defined in Christianity. The first group would be those whose beliefs do not include the concept of salvation. Atheism comes to mind here, but then again, they reject God altogether. The second group would be those whose beliefs claim some other method or methods to salvation and/or reincarnation. I add reincarnation here because for those who believe in it, it is a form of salvation.
In order to identify what some consider offensive about salvation, we should probably define it. I am going to try to avoid promoting any specific theology here and try to stick to the basics. I would rather share the message than obscure it with a theological debate, but you are welcome to contact me if you must and I will open up a blog thread for discussion.
Since we have covered why we need salvation (Sin) we can move on to the reason why salvation is possible at all. We can easily sum this all up with one name; Jesus. One of the more famous verses in the Bible shows us that salvation is possible. In John 3:16 it is written, For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The story of Jesus is truly the greatest ever told and in this story is the reason why we can be saved.
Jesus was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life as a man. He endured the same things in his life (and much more) as you and I yet never sinned unlike every other person living, dead, or to come. Even though He was untouchable by anything in existence, He allowed Himself to suffer and die on the Cross for all our sins. Three days later he victoriously arose from the dead. This is why salvation is possible and this is why Acts 4:12 says, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved.
The fact that this concretely establishes Jesus Christ as the source of salvation and no other invalidates all other beliefs. It so clearly draws a line in the sand that any other belief system which includes a type of salvation cannot logically incorporate itself into Christianity. It must stand apart with its own salvation doctrine.
Now some of you may be hung up on the word “fact” that I used in the last paragraph. I believe the Gospel story and therefore I can only present it as fact. Otherwise I would be in contradiction. I have never met anyone who died and received eternal life through Jesus Christ. So yes, it is by faith that I accept the gift of salvation. But it is by this same faith and the Truth that is God that I can say with absolute certainty that Jesus Christ died for all mankind’s sins and it is only through Him that I am saved and it is only through Him that anyone can be saved. It is not a hypothesis, theory, interpretation, or fantasy. It is another absolute and in that some may feel offended.
Another reason salvation may appear offensive is that salvation is a gift given from grace. It cannot be earned and it cannot be purchased by anyone. God gave His Son and Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified out of a love none can match. This was not simply a generalized love for all mankind. It was a personal love for each and every one of use. He loved me enough to die for my sins even though I did not deserve it. Put another way, salvation was not for man, it was for you.
If it is not clear why this might seem offensive to some, consider it from the context of ego. The self righteous my feel they deserve salvation and might believe that someone else does not. As a gift to all, it levels the playing field so to speak and some egos cannot handle that. The gift of salvation negates stature, class, intellect, social popularity, works, ritualization, intensity of suffering, or any other reason that might lead one to believe they are worthy of salvation by their own hand. Salvation is free and it is for everyone.
It is my prayer that this series has helped you in some way. If you find yourself offended by anything presented here I would ask that examine what you feel is offensive and take some time to search yourself to really understand what is at the root of that feeling. It may be how you were raised, or that you were hurt by someone, or what you were taught. Take that and compare it to what is written in the Bible. God loves you and he does not want anyone to perish.
If any of you find yourself asking what you can do to become a Christian please read on.
Salvation is not a complicated process or special ritual. All it requires is:
1) The acknowledgement that you are sinner in needs of a Savior
2) That Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins and arose from the dead
3) Confess Jesus as your Lord and God surrendering control of your life to Him
4) Accepting Jesus as your savior.
If you are ready to come to Jesus, they pray to him these things. Use your own words and speak to Him as you would anyone else. Jesus is real and desires to have a personal relationship with you.
If you have asked Jesus into your life you have made the most important decision you will ever make and I encourage you to seek out a church in your community that will help your grow in your new faith. Pray for God’s guidance to help you find the place where he wants you to be.
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