ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
December 12, 2021
Salvation is one of those loaded words. Though I love the word, I am very cautious about using the word because of how it is heard in certain circles. For some, it is nothing more than the ticket to the afterlife. It is as if Jesus provided us an escape capsule that we jump into at the point of death. I do not believe that is salvation. You look a little more closely at scripture, and salvation is very much a part of this world. Yes, it does (according to scripture) stretch beyond this life, but it is not exclusively for life beyond this life. Salvation is many things, including a dramatic change within a person: to no longer live for self, but for others; to live with the purpose and power of love; to see self, all of humanity and all of creation as precious and beloved by God. In the 19th chapter of Luke’s Gospel – the story of Zacchaeus – Jesus announced, after the transformation of Zacchaeus, “Salvation has come to this house…” It is a whole different way of living that is not reserved for heaven. In a sense, it is heavenly living that begins right here and right now.
Continue to guide me to a life lived in the joy of your love, O Lord. I don’t want to rejoice with the angels only after my life on this planet comes to an end. There is too much for me to do right now that is the making of your salvation. Amen.
