For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
I'll bet any of you guys knew that verse just by the reference. You have probably picked it apart word by word and read it in context. It is quoted, put on t-shirts, and used in sermons constantly. It defines what we believe. It is the basis of our religion.
But have you ever stopped to wonder: Why is our culture so obsessed with defining the exact point in which someone is saved? Why do we waste so much time and energy debating who is saved and who is not? It's so degrading to our Father. I feel like we often completely miss the point: we are made for relationship, not for religion.
When we make the gospel so simple, it can be quite handy for sure. It is still true and it is still God's word. However, I am a little weary of how far Americans have taken this belief that anyone who prays the sinner's prayer when they're a little kid (which, by the way, although not inherently wrong, isn't in Scripture) will reach the pearly gates and escape death. Where's the mention of adoption? What about the fact that our relationship, our purpose in being created, is now restored? We can enjoy such a deep peace with our Father. Our soul can now rest in His presence. But we're merely concerned about how great our lives will be now that we have our ticket to eternal life.
What if heaven didn't have our Father? Would that change anything in your mind? Do you realize the point of salvation is more than just about our restoration as human beings? It's a restored bond that previously had been severed.We are made to be in communion with God. That is what our soul longs for. He made us to need Him because He is the greatest gift we could ever receive.
I'm not here to argue with you about what exactly needs to happen before you are saved. I definitely have my own opinion, but this continual thread of disagreement in the church is what I am trying to avoid. It's not about at what point a person is saved because that is between the person and God. It is about loving people by pointing them to our Father for true relationship and unity with Him.
The fact is, I know I am born again. I know this not because of that moment in time I repeated after the pastor at church camp. I know this because I love the Father. I talk to Him daily and I know Him. He reveals Himself to me continually and teaches me more about who He is. I don't need a pastor to tell me I'm saved because I believe in Jesus. Though this is true, believing is just the beginning to what we're called to.
I personally believe that the obsession with salvation doctrine is unhealthy. If you're trying to be saved out of fear of death through the sinner's prayer and the love of God has not completely settled into your heart and made you new, I am not going to assure you of your salvation. Too many people are already doing that. I want to encourage you to seek God continually. Let Him assure you that you are His child. If you are questioning, seek Him, not a pastor. God alone knows your heart.
The greatest commands are to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). If you have felt no change in these areas from before 'you were saved' and after, recheck your motives and your heart. Doubt can be a gift from God. He loves you and desires you to know Him. Seek Him.
Note: This is not to devalue evangelism or assuring people that it is grace, not works which restores them. This can definitely be helpful for those who previously believed they must earn their way to true Life, which can be super discouraging. Also, eternal life is definitely a gift and a result of having a bond restored with Him who is Life itself. But it is not our main goal. It is a precious byproduct.
