Salvation: Simple or Complex?
Depending on who you speak to, the Plan of Salvation -- Jesus coming and dying for our sins -- is either very simple or extremely complex. As with many other themes you will find in the Bible, the answer is that both perspectives are correct. If you only pick a text here or there, you will find support for either view, but it is only by looking at all of the texts on the subject that you will be able to come to a complete understanding.
The Complex Perspective...
The overall plan of Salvation is complex. Much of what God has done for us -- for the Universe on a whole -- will not be fully understood until we are with Him in eternity. The story behind the Plan of Salvation is rich and deep. It involves such themes as:
- How Sin Originated
- Why Jesus Came to Die
- How the Father, Son and Holy Ghost work together for our salvation
- Why So Many Will Choose Not To Be Saved
- How Sin Will Finally Be Eradicated
The Simple Perspective...
Thankfully, our individual role in the plan of salvation is pretty straightforward. Essentially, it comprises two parts:
- Accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
- Witness for Christ
- Witnessing through Active Evangelism
- Witnessing through Christ-like life
We accept Christ, enter a relationship with Him, and live for Him.
Now, while our role in Salvation is pretty straightforward, there is a certain complexity to living a Christian life, partly because Satan is definitely opposed to those who love and worship God. Beyond that, we have a sinful nature, and are inclined to sinning, so we need to rely on God for the strength to overcome our natural tendencies and be more like Him.
Immediate vs Continuous...
Salvation is multi-faceted: It has both an immediate aspect, and a long-term aspect.
It is immediate in the sense that as soon as you surrender your life to God, you have salvation -- immediately. (Acts 16:30-31)
It is long-term in that you must continue to operate in accordance with His will to remain in a saved state. (Ezekiel 18:20-24)
Thus the doctrine of once saved, always saved is incorrect. This is the essence of dying to self daily. Each day, we ask Jesus to lead us, so that we are doing His will, and not our own. We wear His righteousness and not one of our own making.
Corporate vs Personal...
Salvation is multi-faceted in yet another direction: It also has both a corporate aspect and a personal aspect to it.
It has a corporate aspect in that Jesus Christ died -- one time -- for the sins of all mankind, through all time. A massive amnesty program, if you will. (Romans 5:17-19)
It is personal in that each person must take advantage of that amnesty for his- or herself. No one will be saved merely because of their religious affiliation, political status, who their friends are, or who their parents are. We all need to agree that we need to be saved, and reach out to the Savior for salvation. (Ezekiel 14:14-20)
Starting this process is very simple -- it just requires faith. (Hebrews 11:6)
Continuing the process requires a bit more -- daily sacrifice and submission to God -- and not everyone can deal with that. (Luke 9:23-25)
But Jesus has promised to help us, if we stay with Him. (John 15:4-7)
Let us remember to stay with Jesus daily...