Do you see a kinship in this to the psychologist's statement "There are no absolutes?"
Our contemporary society is leaning on its own understanding. And chances are that the average person you talk to, has no real concept of sin, and a need for salvation. So we must take a moment to inquire as to what sin is in the first place.
266 hamartia {ham-ar-tee'-ah} from 264;
TDNT - 1:267,44; n f AV - sin 172, sinful 1, offense 1; 174
1) equivalent to 264
1a) to be without a share in
1b) to miss the mark
1c) to err, be mistaken
1d) to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour,
to do or go wrong
1e) to wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin
2) that which is done wrong, sin, an offence, a violation of the
divine law in thought or in act
3) collectively, the complex or aggregate of sins committed either
by a single person or by many
Let's think about that for a moment. Even in the secular
world, there are laws governing what our conduct should be. This is
true for driving a vehicle, our language in public places, and a host of
ordinances and so forth that are supposed to control our actions as responsible
people. If we do not act in a proper fashion, we are subject to arrest
and a legal process, which can end with the forfeit of our very lives, or
some sort of prison term. So, we must note that even secular
society acknowledges the need for a legal system. As such then,
where is the difference between what a "believer" is supposed to do, or a
non- believer? In either case, there are consequences involved in how
we live and act in society. Hence, the secular person does not always
have the right and/or freedom to do as he/she pleases, as many claim.
Consequently, you can readily see that
Strong's numbers) 02580 chen
{khane}from 02603; TWOT- 694a; n m
AV - grace 38, favour 26, gracious 2, pleasant 1, precious
1, wellfavoured + 02896 1; 69
1) favour, grace, charm
1a) favour, grace, elegance
1b) favour, acceptance
Strong's numbers) 5485 charis {khar'-ece}from 5463;
TDNT - 9:372,1298; n f
AV - grace 130, favour 6, thanks 4, thank 4, thank
+ 2192 3, pleasure 2, misc 7; 156
1) grace
1a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness,
charm, loveliness: grace of speech
2) good will, loving-kindness, favour
2a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting
his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens,
increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles
them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
3) what is due to grace
3a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the
power of divine grace
3b) the token or proof of grace, benefit
3b1) a gift of grace
3b2) benefit, bounty
4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense,
reward
It is very clear in both the Old and New Testaments,
that something other than "works," is involved in this thing we have named
religion. Grace has been defined as the unmerited favor God allows us,
even though we are a rebellious and undeserving people. (Undeserving
of God's forgiveness).
It is in this very arena, that the concept of salvation enters in. In the
OT we learn that God was ready to put an end to the lawlessness of humans.
He could have done so, but decided against it.
(Strong's numbers) 07307 ruwach
{roo'-akh} from 07306; TWOT - 2131a; n f
AV - Spirit or spirit 232, wind 92, breath 27, side
6, mind 5, blast 4, vain 2, air 1, anger 1, cool 1, courage 1, misc
6; 378
If the spirit is withdrawn, the result is what we
know of as death. Like it or not, death cannot be escaped, regardless
of how many efforts are being put forth by science. This should tell
people something, but alas, they ignore the simple facts, in an effort to
escape the inevitable.
Please remember that in reprimanding Adam and Eve for their failure in obedience to His (God's) command, the first death in the form of a sacrifice came into existence. That is, some animal(s?) forfeited life so that God could make the covering (skins) clothing that would replace the sin filled aprons that the first two humans had made in an attempt to cover their shame. (Gen 3:7+)
The second such occasion is the exceptional account of Noah. Noah was not a perfect human, and this is best shown, when he became drunk with the fruit of the vine (wine). But, like so many folks today, Noah did attempt to live a God fearing, exemplary life. As such, he is shown to be a "type of Christ" by being singled out to be a savior. Obedient to God, he builds the ark according to all commanded, and as a result, eight humans (Noah's family) and specific pairs of clean and unclean animals are spared the death that would come as a result of the impending flood. (Gen6:17-9:28)
From that time on, God has sent a series of leaders and prophets to grant all erring human beings many loving warnings, directions, and escape routes, from what God knew would be the ultimate end of those who would choose against the safe haven of Godly living.
People look to doctors, lawyers, psychologists, hypnotists, astrological charts and other occult activities, yes, a plethora of avenues; only to find that their lives are empty and that they are living discontented and unfulfilled days, months and years. Some, unable to cope with the stresses of contemporary life, go on killing rampages and commit suicide. Why? They are trying to save themselves from their malcontentedness. But they do it in some very illl chosen ways.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way
which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
KJV
Let us examine the Biblical interpretations of
"Salvation" as defined in the King James Version of the Bible. Listed
below are the appropriate definitions of the word, using Strong's Exhaustive
Concordance numbers.
03444 y@shuw`ah {yesh-oo'-aw} passive participle of
03467; TWOT - 929b; n f
AV - salvation 65, help 4, deliverance 3, health 3,
save 1, saving 1, welfare 1; 78
(1) salvation, deliverance
1a) welfare, prosperity
1b) deliverance
1c) salvation (by God)
1d) victory
03467 yasha` {yaw-shah'} a primitive root; TWOT - 929;
v
AV - save 149, saviour 15, deliver 13, help 12, preserved
5, salvation 3, avenging 2, at all 1, avenged 1, defend 1, rescue 1, safe
1, victory 1; 205
03468 yesha` {yeh'-shah} or yesha` {yay'-shah}
from 03467; TWOT - 929a; n m
AV - salvation 32, safety 3, saving 1; 36
1) deliverance, salvation, rescue, safety, welfare
4991 soteria {so-tay-ree'-ah}
feminine of a derivative of 4990 as (properly, abstract)
noun; TDNT - 7:965,1132; n f
AV - salvation 40, the (one) be saved 1, deliver +
1325 1, health 1, saving 1, that (one) be saved + 1519 1; 45
1) deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation
1a) deliverance from the molestation of enemies
1b) in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the
souls safety or salvation
1b1) of Messianic salvation
2) salvation as the present possession of all true
Christians
3) future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings
which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the
visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom
of God.
Fourfold salvation: Saved from the penalty, power,
presence and most importantly the pleasure of sin.
A.W.. Pink
4992 soterion {so-tay'-ree-on}
neuter of the same as 4991 as (properly, concretely)
noun; TDNT - 7:1021,1132; adj
AV - salvation 4, that brings salvation 1; 5
1) saving, bringing salvation
2) he who embodies this salvation, or through whom
God is about to achieve it
3) the hope of (future) salvation
As you can see, the word salvation emphasizes, but
is not limited to the religious realm. Today, the term has come into
common usage as a result of linguistic evolution. But the main emphasis
must remain in the concept of people needing to be delivered, protected or
literally "saved" from someone or something. Those who are offended
at the term salvation, would do well to remind themselves that they must
realize that the term is legitimate and that salvation necessary.
Those who would propagate the gospel message would also do well to remember, as stated before, that not everyone will be open to or cognizant of what the intentions of the person using the term means. And herein lies an area of concern.
Let's begin with a simple question. How would you want someone to approach you on a weighty issue? Would you want then to imitate a bull in a china closet, or would you rather be approached by a beautiful Monarch Butterfly, you could admire and watch? Would you prefer to rant and rave at the destruction you see the bull caused, or wish you could draw even closer to that delicately beautiful butterfly you are admiring, with its gentle movements and colorful form?
Would you prefer to be subjected to some harshly authoritarian demands, or have a moment or so to reflect upon a gentle persuasion? There are differences that can either harm, or aid, the person who needs to hear the gospel message. And if we are to go into the world to pronounce the good news, and why it is so important, would it be a good idea to imitate the greatest teacher who ever lived?
Jesus' Triune Teaching
Jesus himself, used a three fold or triune methodology of teaching about the Kingdom of God. In the first aspect, he taught his disciples, who were in turn to become the Apostles, the future leaders of the Church. They were taught by observing how Jesus acted and interacted with the common people and the disciples themselves, each time Jesus ministered. Then he taught them privately. They also witnessed how Jesus conducted himself with the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Also, he sent them out amongst the people for what we could see as practice teaching. So experiences could be gained and in turn, reviewed. They observed the work of the seventy Jesus sent out. In short, they were in hands on, ears and eyes open training. They were the core of the future Church.
Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; KJV
The scripture above is one which I can only hope, would set people to thinking a bit more about weighing the consequences of keeping or changing their present way(s) of living. This is most especially true for any people who have been subjected to a negative form of having the gospel presented to them. All too often ill prepared and overzealous people, without meaning to do so, end up attaining the exact opposite of their goal . Some even suffer as a result of having done so. Please reflect on this and then proceed to learning and heeding the advice that follows.
First of all friends, lets use a bit of what had been offered here and also test it against the Bible, okay? Here we go. ************************************ (KJV on all verses)*******************************************
1. Be someone that others can admire and want to hear and learn from.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.2. Be prepared to offer scriptures that are appropriate to the occasion
1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.3. Bring the scriptures in a true but mild manner, rather than a harshly accusatory way.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:4. Remember that as a Christian, you are on trial when you bring the gospel to the unsaved. You must be confident in your faith, and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Luke 12: 11,12 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.5. You must also remember that a Christian duty is to warn others, whenever possible, of the dangers of living an anti-Christ life.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.6. If for some reason, your attempts to share the gospel message fall on deaf ears, do not be disheartened. Do not be a Bible bashers, but simply pray about the situation and the individual, and then leave the rest to God, you have done your part, let God do His.
Ezekial 33:9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
Ezekial 3:19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.7. Remember to pray. Pray for God's will to take place in your witnessing endeavors, and in the hearts of those whom you would hope to share the wondrous Christianity you hold so dear.
Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Psalms 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.Please allow a final piece of advice. Always be attuned to the still small voice of God, which comes from the Holy Spirit. He will tell you when to forge ahead or leave well enough alone. You should also remember this important passage of scripture, and make it an integral part of your being.
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. KJVSad as it may be, the fact remains that the majority of people will not be open to the gospel message. The scriptures have made this abundantly clear. So be at peace, and know that you are blessed for having found the truth, the way, and the life (Jesus). Share as you can, willingly and as ably as you can possibly do. Just remember that it is Jesus (God) who does the saving - not us.