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By J. L. Bastiat ⋅ June 12, 2008 ⋅

Over at one of my favorite Christian blogs, as part of an excellent extended discussion of Stott’s work on missions–and, I can’t help but feel, in exquisite juxtaposition to some of the goings-on in political God-talk these days–Jon Trainer notes several false views of salvation:

Essentially, then each of these three false views (that salvation is to be equated with physical health, psychological health, and socio-political liberation) falls down not merely in their understanding of the biblical usage of the term, but also in their theological understanding of mankind and his chief need. The main problem from which we need rescue isn’t poor health, poor self-image, or poor environs. The primary subject of our need and Christ’s rescue is one and the same—deliverance from our own sin and from God’s just judgment against it.

(Stott on Salvation (1))

Champ Thornton replies with some further thoughts (Reflecting on Salvation), concluding:

So, to conclude, I believe the Bible teaches that salvation (and our mission in the world) includes more than the wonderful realities of spiritual and moral redemption. But, throughout redemptive history God’s people have always had one Warrior, one Deliverer, one King—and He is the one who fights for His people (not the other way around). We must live humbly, helpfully, and actively, and leave the (violent) socio-political warfare to Him—in His hands, in His time, on His terms, and with His outcome.

Want more great stuff like that? In addition to that blog–and of course our gracious host and his good wife–here’s just a few you might consider: