Introduction
My friend Chris has made another teaching video, Predestination and Election. It appears to be Part 1 of a series on the topic. In this video, Chris questions the Calvinist doctrine that says God has chosen (elected) certain people to be saved. He predestined them “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). I do not question the truth of Chris’ content. My question is: Why make such a big deal over salvation?
My Emphasis Not on Being Saved
The Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, God’s Instruction (Torah) to His people has one mention of a savior (Deuteronomy 32:15) and one of salvation (Exodus 15:2). Rather,
- God Almighty calls Himself Abraham’s Shield (Genesis 15:1).
- Job said God was his Redeemer (Job 19:25).
- Yahweh made Himself Israel’s Redeemer (Isaiah 41:14) and King.
I am not an evangelist, focused on getting lots of people “saved” and part of a church so they can go to Heaven one day. As a teacher, I emphasize getting people to think about their places in God’s Kingdom on Earth. I consider it important that God’s people turn away from questions of individual salvation. I call for the mentality of showing people their rebellion against God, not their sin.
Frankly, I consider that evangelistic mentality to be a false way of thinking, a religious stronghold maintained and defended by people with false, religious thinking. Instead, we should call people to turn their thinking and feelings (repent) to surrender to King Jesus.
How Salvation Comes
Everyone has some overwhelming problem they learn to live with instead of overcoming. God Almighty has solutions for those who trust and obey Him (have faith). Abraham didn’t have an heir. In my last post, I wrote that the Almighty promised that his descendents would be like the countless stars in the Heavens, like the grains of sand in number.
Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6) /https://2cm.es/1kkak /
Samuel had anointed David to become King over Israel. The ruling king, Saul, did not want to let go of his throne. He chased God’s anointed in order to kill him. Time and again, David and his men slipped away from Saul’s grasp. Over and over, the psalmist praised God Almighty for being his Savior/ Salvation/ Rescuer.
The people of Israel had been waiting for God Almighty to send His Anointed One (Messiah) to throw out the Roman oppressors and take up the throne of Israel. Several men proclaimed themselves this messiah and had many followers. The Romans killed the men (Acts 5:35-37) and their movements fizzled.
The Savior/Rescuer Came
Jesus of Nazareth went up and down both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that God’s Kingdom was within reach. He taught trust in the Father to provide Kingdom benefits to its citizens. He taught acceptance of people in their flaws just as the Father provided rain for the just and the unjust. He taught individual surrender to the King (Matthew 6:33) and communal love and authority (Matthew 18:19-20).
Then Jesus gave His life on the Cross to redeem and rescue all people. He rose again, possessing all authority in Heaven and on Earth. He broke the power of rebellion against God.
Rescue from Rebellion against God
The people of Israel and Jews who were scattered around the Roman empire knew Jesus had been put on a cross and had died. They thought His proclamations of the Kingdom had been canceled, as well. When Holy Spirit came upon His followers during the celebration of the giving of God’s Instruction (Torah) on Pentecost, these Jews heard Peter proclaim that Jesus had not gone to corruption. They heard the apostle proclaim His return to life and confirmation as Messiah. They heard his indictment that they had rejected the longed- for Anointed One and allowed the Romans to put Him to death (Acts 2:14-37).
Peter told them to change their thinking (repent). They needed to trust the words of Jesus and obey them. They needed to surrender to His Kingship.
[They] believed the Lord, and he credited it to [them] as righteousness.
Not Saved but Rescued from a Problem
Christians make a big deal about being “saved” and whether someone is going to Heaven. Instead, Jesus is building His Kingdom here on Earth in order to make it ready for His return and for the New Earth. To be a part of this, people need to
- surrender to the Kingship of Jesus
- trust and obey His written words and His present day instructions
- gather in oneness with other believers to reign on Earth (Matthew 16:18-19, Romans 5:17)
Heaven will come to them rather than them going to Heaven.
Question
Do you want to get “saved” and go to Heaven or do you want to surrender to King Jesus, have Him solve problems for you, and reign in life through Him?