Our readings in this series are from the book, Such a Great Salvation. Here is a brief excerpt from pages 7 and 8:
“Most Christians would say that the salvation they have in Jesus Christ is great. They’re glad to have it. It gives them hope, assurance, peace, and an overall sense of wellbeing. They wouldn’t trade it for the religion of the most fanatically jubilant pagan.
“But, in our age of every-man-for-himself-opinions-and-values, what seems great to Christians is not great at all to many of their co-workers, neighbors, or fellow students. And, as we have learned that we are not likely to tempt the stubborn to try eggplant Parmesan, we’ve concluded that it’s no use attempting to convince the unbelievers in our life that our salvation is really great. They don’t think so, and well, they’re entitled to their opinion. So we don’t bother them with the Good News.
“In other words, salvation is great for us, because we have it and delight in it. It makes us feel safe and happy and hopeful, especially when we’re having a bowl of it with our Christian friends – Grreaaaaat!
“But when the writer of Hebrews mentions our ‘great salvation,’ this is not what he intends—at least not in the first instance. He has something else in mind than that which makes us feel happy and assured.”
Why not start your own reading group? Or find a friend who will read with you. We always grow more when we are growing with others. You can order a copy of Such a Great Salvation, either in book form or as a free PDF, by going to The Ailbe Bookstore. And if you have not yet signed up to receive Read Moore on your desktop every Monday through Friday, then go to the home page of our website, www.ailbe.org, and scroll to bottom to subscribe or to update your existing subscriptions. These are trying times, and we need a great salvation to make the most of the opportunities before us. I hope you’ll continue with us through this series.
