I've been thinking and talking with some close friends about salvation and how it goes down. I've been reading through the book of Luke with the boys at bedtime and what Jesus says to people about how to get right with God. For instance...
In Luke 5:20, these guys bring their friend to be healed (he was lame) and Jesus heals him AND forgives his sins.
Luke 8:47 says that this "sinner" woman kisses and washes his feet with her hair. Jesus says her sins are forgiven.
3 words...Rich Young Ruler
If this rich young ruler came to you and said, "What must I do to be saved?" What would you tell this guy? Pray a prayer? What does Jesus say???? Give away all your STUFF!! What? That's not the Romans Road.
What about Zacchaeus? Dude gave half of what he had to the poor and paid back all the people he cheated 4 times! What did Jesus say? Salvation has come to this house!!
Check out Luke 10:25-28 Jesus says to inherit eternal life is to love God with all and love your neighbor like you love yourself.
A lot of times we present salvation as a simple agreement with God.
What else did Jesus say?
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Good stuff. I think we do people a disservice by not letting them know that Jesus said, "Take up your cross and follow me." Following Jesus is not a cliche ... it is not the result of a "happening" or moment at the alter. Being a follower of Jesus is a lifestyle, one that is started by a conversion, then perpetuated by living.
ReplyDeleteSo ... when someone does accept Christ ... why do we say we are proud of THEM instead of how grateful we are for His mercy on their wretched soul? I dunno ...
ReplyDeleteJesus never presented being a follower as a cushy, fun, safe thing to do. On the contrary, he turned people away who weren't ready.
ReplyDeleteIf we say we are proud of them when someone accepts Christ, we are giving them credit for attaining salvation. Good job!! You weighed your options and made the right choice!!
It's NOT about me.
Maybe it would be more appropriate to say, "Congratulations! You are an utterly unworthy recipient of God's Grace!"
ReplyDeleteChan said when we have the invitation we should ask for people that wanna suffer. Instead we say who wants Jesus to be your friend? Just wink at me and no one will need to know.
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