Salvation

Salvation is the goal of Christianity. But should it be?

I guess to write this post properly, salvation ought to be defined properly. Except that there is no single definition used by the church, as shown by differing approaches to evangelicalism. If everyone saw salvation as that single moment that a person accepted Christ, we might all be living a bit differently. On the other hand, if salvation is a process started by that acceptance, well, the church would be transformed.

Imagine if salvation was not the goal, but the beginning of a relationship with both the church and God. If mentorship was a central goal of the church, rather than teaching and evangelicalism. What if we invited people to Easter service not to be "saved" but to become part of a community? Yes, salvation is an introduction to the church and the larger body of believers, but can one truly be a part of the group without getting to know anyone? Where is the support and the help and the hope and the healing? Much of it comes from God, but shouldn't some of it come from us?

As we invite family and friends to be a part of Easter service, remember that it is not about a moment, it's about relationships. Communion with God and with others was a central part of the church in Acts, and as different as we are today, I believe that it ought to be at the very heart of what Christians do today.