What it Means to Be Saved

[God] saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. . .

2 Timothy 1:9 (NRSV)

In The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity: How the Modern Culture Is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness, Michael Kelly's thesis is that the "biggest lie" is a culturally-influenced spiritual deadening: Modern culture says we cannot be people of kindness and love. Kelly calls these kind, loving actions "Holy Moments," (his capitalization; not mine) which becomes a cliché phrase throughout this short book.

Yes, I agree that many people, including yours truly, could be more loving and self giving. As a Christian, I try my best to model my thinking and actions after Jesus' teachings and example, but I am a flawed human being (in Christian-speak, a "sinner"). So I get it wrong most of the time. Kelly says that this is "the lie," and the lie becomes the excuse that robs people of their journey to holiness. Although in certain instances, this can be true, I do not wholeheartedly agree.

When we lay the responsibility of holiness on everyone as if it were something we must earn and work toward, we make a life of faith competitive one upmanship begging the question: Are we good enough for God? This brings stress, confusion, anxiety, and discouragement to the faithful. It, too, is what drives people away from much of the hypocrisy in the Christian church. And it is not the message found in the New Testament books. We are not a people of self-manufactured grace and do-it-yourself salvation. That's why, in the story of Christianity, God became human to live, love, suffer, and die for us. Because since "the fall," mankind gets it wrong. And yes, God loves us that much -- so much that through this incomprehensible love, he lived a life of love among us and died for each of us. Now we can't sit around, hate, cause chaos, and ignore our neighbor all of our lives. It is our responsibility as human beings to do our best to love the person in front of us, and I mean an active, self-giving kind of love. This isn't just a Christian concept either; all of the five major religions espouse a love for neighbor.

But Kelly's argument implies a traditionalist view -- one that is a salvation based on what we do or works righteousness. Again, don't get me wrong, I believe that we should be more like Jesus and love all people, despite our shortcomings. But as I get older, I see that many of us -- especially me -- struggle in this area.

This circles back to most of what Paul says in the New Testament letters; God’s grace is a free, unmerited gift. It costs nothing but our faith in Jesus Christ. And it is through that faith that God’s grace reaches into us, transforms us, and guides us to live lives of kindness and love.

Have a loving, blessed week!

Stan