Categories: uncategorized
Date: 27 August 2006 14:04:16
Not my words, the words of Phil Thompson, AOG pastor who eventually became Orthodox in 1999.
It was especially disturbing, in attempting to preach the Gospel as the early Christians did, that the early Christians didn't seem to believe that a "decision for Christ" was the same thing as "salvation." They all taught that salvation was a lifelong process, not a transaction or a legal fiction, and "he who perseveres to the end will be saved." I had long believed I had a message that would save the world; now after seeing the sadly temporary results of much of evangelical preaching and discipleship, I couldn't preach a simplistic "Get saved" gospel any more. What was I supposed to invite people into? Ancient Christianity was all about the relationship of the member of the Church to Christ and His Church; not about anybody's "personal Savior." Outsiders were invited to join the people of God, get aboard the Ark, become a part of the Body -- not to individually "accept Christ" but to come and be accepted, healed, and sanctified in the community of believers.
I find it somewhat terrifying that I'm not "in" with God just 'cos I've prayed the right prayer. Am I a spiritual athlete in action, or just chilling out on the side lines?
"Accepted, healed and sanctified in the community of believers." How cool does that sound?
The rest of Phil's testimony here