Thursday, April 3, 2008

The Alphabet and Salvation

Maybe you have heard someone say the way to salvation is very simple. Some say that salvation is as easy as A-B-C. In fact, someone developed a model that is primarily geared toward children using the ABC format: Admit, Believe, Confess.

A - admit to God you are a sinner, repent or turn from your sin

B - believe that Jesus is God's son and that he died for your sins and rose again

C - confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, place your faith in what Jesus has done for sinners on the cross

During our Bible study last night (which was really not about the ABC's) someone brought up an interesting point. They surmised that it would be helpful to add another letter to this model, the letter "D." Which stands to reason since it is the next letter in the alphabet. This person suggested that "D" should be used to explain that those who are saved will "Demonstrate" their salvation by a transformed life and a conformity to Christ. I think this is helpful and very insightful.

I also think that a watered down ABC presentation can be misleading and insufficient. We must be careful not to rush toward a "simple" method or model and leave out vital truth about God and the gospel. God is holy and our sin is offensive to him. We do 'admit' to God that we are sinners, but repentance must not be left out of the equation. A full understanding and explanation of the Cross of Christ should also be part of our evangelism. Additionally, those who come to faith in Christ ought to live a life that "Demonstrates" this spiritual transformation. Finally, salvation is not achieved by anything that we do.

At the end of the day, the Salvation of a dead sinner is the work of the Holy Spirit of God. As Christians, we may be a witness to this salvation and may even be used by God to share his precious gospel that in turn may lead someone to faith in Christ. This is part of our Great Commission. Oh that we would be faithful to the task - to the Glory of God.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jon, I couldn't agree with you more. This was a very fine post.

And how encouraging that this came from within your congregation. I hope that was a great blessing to you.

Jon Cyrus said...

It was indeed a blessing. Actually it was one of those times that bring such encouragment. It is so neat when folks not only "get it" but also begin to articulate truth.

Unknown said...

That's cool. I had the same thought this weekend and slipped it into my sermon - A, B, C, then Do something.

Jon Cyrus said...

It must be sound thinking then, ha. Good to hear from you. Looking for a post from you though.