Sometimes the smallest word can hold the largest things. In this case, four little letters--just one common word, “that,”-- hold all of our future days on earth, and perhaps beyond. Do you see it?
“Not that I have already obtained [resurrection from death], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)
Paul understood that Jesus paid the price for his sin and that Jesus had secured a place for him in heaven. But wait, there’s more: Paul understood that Jesus had laid hold of him for some purpose in this life as well. Jesus had a grand mission for this world, and wanted to partner with Paul to achieve that mission. Further, Jesus used a guy named Barnabas to make sure Paul found a home in the church (Acts 11: 22 - 26).
John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard movement, used to teach that there were actually three conversions needed for every Christian: conversions to Christ, to his cause, and to his church. Wimber wasn’t inventing some new doctrine, he was pointing out that our relationship with Jesus begins with the new birth and that the Lord himself has purposes in mind for us. He’s not only saved us from something, he’s also saved us toward something, something so grand it takes a community of believers united under the Lordship of Jesus to accomplish. In our day, if our gospel does not ask the question, “what’s next?” then our gospel is too small.
Here’s a week’s worth of meditation: in my life, what is the that for which Jesus has saved me?
This "on earth, as it is in heaven" concept has become my mantra as a Christian. What are we really longing for and working toward—something that exists after we die, or something that with God's help can be accomplished here on earth? Maybe the right answer is "both," but I sure feel more motivated and captivated by how we can bring God's kingdom to earth, and I think that inner motivation is generated by the Spirit. Anyway, I love how you put this:
ReplyDelete"He’s not only saved us from something, he’s also saved us toward something, something so grand it takes a community of believers united under the Lordship of Jesus to accomplish."
Always well said. At least three conversions, Ray . . . and then a lifetime of micro-conversions of heart, mind, soul, and body.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin:
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Without question I believe it's not an either/or about heaven and earth, it's both. There are some things that will never be put to rights until the end of days, but sadly, many Christians have pushed nearly *everything* into that category, with the result that they think themselves powerless to live any kind of effective life with God now. When critics refer to the Christian faith as escapist or irrelevant they are largely referring to this tendency.
One quibble--it's not so much the *we* bring God's Kingdom to the earth but rather that we discover that the Father is active and working on the earth today, and we partner with what he is already doing. This distinction is, to me, crucial--He is the King, and we, his subjects join him. It's divinely initiated and directed as opposed to mere do-going that we think will be helpful to him.
Dr. John:
Thank you for stopping by! I like your phrase, "micro conversions," because we do, in fact, chose whether we will join Jesus and his cause each day--but I'd better be careful or I'll be accused of suggesting that we must saved over and over again!
The words 'abundant life' have enthralled me since I was a kid...and I am convinced it's about taking hold of 'that!' Thanks for the reminder that He died to bring us life here and now, not only later!
ReplyDeleteAlways well said. At least three conversions, Ray . . . and then a lifetime of micro-conversions of heart, mind, soul, and body.
ReplyDeleteThis "on earth, as it is in heaven" concept has become my mantra as a Christian. What are we really longing for and working toward—something that exists after we die, or something that with God's help can be accomplished here on earth? Maybe the right answer is "both," but I sure feel more motivated and captivated by how we can bring God's kingdom to earth, and I think that inner motivation is generated by the Spirit. Anyway, I love how you put this:
ReplyDelete"He’s not only saved us from something, he’s also saved us toward something, something so grand it takes a community of believers united under the Lordship of Jesus to accomplish."