October 23, 2012

Chapter 31- The End of Times

This week will take a bit o' extra discipline from me to stay faithful to our book.  The focus is on "The Book of Revelation" and too much of Revelation is open to interpretation for my liking.  While I realize the importance of John's prophetic book, I am not an enthusiastic end-of-timer.

Why did God send his Son to die on the cross?  Salvation, of course.  But the deeper question is, "Why did God feel the need to save us at all?"  Revelation 1:6 provides some insight into that question.

John writes "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father. . ."  The "to serve his God and Father" portion is only found in the 1984 NIV; however, John's original readers would be fully aware of the job description and functions of a priest.  Therefore for a people to be called to be priests would, by extension, denote service to God.

I would not dare even hint that eternal life was just a byproduct of our salvation, but just as important as salvation is the mandate for all Christians to serve God.

My salvation experience came when I was 8-years old.  I don't remember much of the discussion surrounding the experience, but do remember it was the result of a nightly Bible reading we had as a family.  I also remember being baptized in the no-longer-there sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Bolivar, Missouri.  One memory that is lacking is any clear discussion of the duties of Christianity, not just the benefits.

When a person goes forward at Ridgecrest to accept Christ, we rejoice, applaud and sing.  And it is truly a cause for rejoicing.  BUT. . . I wonder how soon after that experience is the new believer introduced to the concept/mandate of Christian service.  A belief in Christ does bring one salvation, comfort, 24/7 access to the Creator of the Universe, an indwelling of the Holy Spirit and so much more, but it also calls one into a life of priestly service to Him who saves us.  Christianity is active.  Christianity is hands and feet on the ground.  Christianity is hard work.  Salvation, without question.  Service, without hesitancy.