The Salvation Seat

Spirituality Column #168
January 26, 2010
Current in Carmel - Current in Westfield - Current in Noblesville
(Indianapolis north suburban home newspapers)

The Salvation Seat
By Bob Walters

The saving grace of Jesus Christ – salvation – is the central reality of the Christian faith.

We are sinners – either by nature or by practice depending on one’s theological point of view – and we live in a fallen world. Life can be great, good, bad or awful, but because of sin all Creation groans and we die. Salvation in Christ means we live.

Forever.

Without sin.

With God in Heaven.

And right up there with salvation, Christianity’s greatest blessings are love and forgiveness.

People often put health, money, power and maybe family in the top spots. But nothing eases the daily pains of life, or accentuates the daily joys, like love and forgiveness.

Health? Each of our bodies is going to die. Sure, get some exercise, drink some water, get some sleep and lay off the super-sized fries – you’ll feel better – but our earthly end is physical death. Be smart, but don’t worship health; it’s a good thing while it lasts but it’s not forever.

Money? A fickle commodity too often made into an idol. Getting it, holding it, worrying about it … money is more often a stumbling block to faith than a stairway to heaven. Pray about it and be wise, but don’t worship it. Money does not equal righteousness.

Power? Jesus Christ’s power was that he was a servant. Until we get that one right, until we realize life is not about “me” but about serving God and others, power is a dangerous, human, corrupting intoxicant. We are prone to worship ourselves.

Family? First, be happy to be in the family of God. Strive to be an example of God’s love and forgiveness in your family. Fight for your family and bear any burden for your family. Be responsible. But families can be crazy commodities because they are full of people, and we’re sinners all.

Health, money, power and family can be great blessings or horrendous curses. Our focus on salvation for eternity and on Christ in this life lifts us above these earthly, temporary things. Salvation is a blessing that won’t quit.

God loves us, as we must love others. God forgives us, as we must forgive others. And God saves us … because we are loved and forgiven. John 3:16.

Just be sure you know who or what is in the driver’s seat of your life. If Jesus is only your co-pilot … switch seats.

Walters (www.believerbob.blogspot.com, email rlwcom@aol.com) wonders if we are all rich, smart and good-looking in heaven, but figures most likely it won’t matter.