Our readings in this series are from the book, Understanding the Times. Here is a brief excerpt from pages 228 and 229:
“The apostle Paul declared, ‘Now is the day of salvation.’ Now. But the fact of salvation seems to have eluded most people, including a great many of those who profess to possess it. What does it mean to be saved? Saved from what? Saved for what? So it’s the day of salvation: just what does that mean?
“The Biblical idea of salvation carries the meaning of wholeness, of rediscovering true humanness. It means being set free from the snares and chains of mere lust and foolish self-interest – all that under-the-sun living Solomon warned his son against – so that we can discern more noble aspirations and pursue more fulfilling and satisfying paths.
“Throughout the course of human history those who have known the salvation which God grants us through Jesus Christ have been responsible for bringing more in the way of beauty, goodness, and truth to the human experience than any other movement, philosophy, or religion. In every area of culture and society, the presence of the saved has meant liberation for human creativity, genius, and wellbeing. Yes, of course, there have been problems along the way and blips in the road. Christians aren’t perfect, as we know.
“But where the salvation of God has truly taken root in a person’s life, everything begins to change. The life and love of Jesus replace mere self-interest, the peace of eternal rest overcomes all anxiousness and fear, and joy that nothing can shake or steal settles over the soul. In such a condition, people begin to flourish as never before. Together in their flourishing, the followers of Christ bear the fruits of their salvation in culture in ways that delight as they ennoble, and in societies, such that freedom and justice are available to all.“Now is the day of salvation! The Kingdom of God has come to earth, and righteousness, peace, and joy are expanding all over the world.”
Join us next week as we begin looking further at our great salvation from our book, Such a Great Salvation. And a reminder: you can sign-up to receive Read Moore on your desktop each morning, Monday through Friday. Simply scroll to the bottom of the home page and update your subscriptions. Your copy of Understanding the Times awaits you in book form or as a free PDF in our bookstore. Download a free copy and share it with some friends. Start a reading group to encourage one another in these important matters.
T. M. Moore
