Immaculate Redemption

March 30, 2018 7,408d Comments

Over and over, I hear from modern Christians that the most important thing in being a Christian is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior (or some similar wording). When I then ask why this is so important, I invariably get Romans 5 or 10 or John 3; and once in a while I’ll get a glancing reference to an actual Gospel.

But something about these answers always bothered me and I eventually figured out what it was. It was during one such discussion that I realized the gentleman with whom I was speaking was foremost concerned with his own salvation.

Huh. That seems awfully self-serving.

“But Tom, Jesus tells us that’s what we’re supposed to do.”

Does he, Sunshine? Where? Not in John 20  – he’s just saying that those who believe without seeing are happier – not more saved. Not in Luke 23  – he’s just giving props to the guy who pointed out that Jesus wasn’t guilty of any real crime. In Matthew 16, he kinda/sorta agrees with Peter when Peter states that Jesus is the Son of God… but nothing about accepting him as a personal savior.

And then there’s good old, misunderstood, over-quoted John 3. “…the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

It’s a beautiful verse. Everyone who believes may have eternal life. All ya gotta do is belieeeeve!  So all that stuff in the Sermon on the Mount about doing unto others and the greatest commandment – that’s all not important? I can be a dick to everyone my whole life as long as before I die I “accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior”.

“Yes, Tom. God’s forgiveness, through Jesus Christ his Son, is infinite and doesn’t conform to our worldly standards.”

Uh-huh. Well I certainly hope that’s true, Sunshine. I’m going to need a lot of forgiveness. I just don’t think it’s as easy as people like to pretend it is.

If you think it makes sense, you can go on believing it’s about that one rule. But I’m pretty sure that’s exactly the kind of hypocrisy Jesus attacked throughout most of the Gospel. He made it pretty clear that there is one greatest commandment: Love God, Love your Neighbor. Nothing about accepting him as your personal Lord and Savior. In fact, in Matthew 23:12 he tells us it’s forgivable to speak against him.

Claiming there is one man-made rule that is more important than Jesus’ own commandment is exactly the kind of hypocrisy Jesus saw in the Pharisees.

Jesus gives us a clear top commandment – which is all about loving others. He specifically does not mention self-love, self-redemption, nor Jesus-worship. But much of modern Christian teaching is centered on what we need to do to be personally saved. Shouldn’t I be less concerned with my own eventual salvation and more concerned with how to love my neighbor today?

If you’re not sure. Go back and read the Gospel of Matthew, especially chapters 5 through 7.

If you’re still not sure, you might consider applying for membership as a Modern Pharisee.

 

7 thoughts on “Immaculate Redemption”

  2. After looking at a number of the blog articles on your
    website, I truly like your way of writing a blog.
    I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and will
    be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and let me know
    how you feel.

    Reply

  4. Wonderful site. Plenty of helpful info here. I’m sending it to a few buddies
    ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank
    you for your sweat!
    Buy Jelly Kamagra
    [url=http://kamagrainus.com/]kamagra jelly[/url]

    Reply

  5. When some one searches for his necessary thing, therefore he/she wants to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.

    impotent

    Reply

  30. Наш сайт театральный касса является современным
    сервисом, позволяющим выбрать
    и купить билеты в режиме онлайн.
    У нас представлены все культурные мероприятия: спектакли,
    концерты, шоу, мюзиклы и фестивали.
    Вы найдете информацию и о проектах федерального
    значения, и о камерных представлениях.

    Воспользоваться предложением могут как жители столицы,
    так и граждане, проживающие в других населенных пунктах России, и иностранцы.
    По Москве и
    Подмосковью заказанные билеты концерт билеты доставляются нашей курьерской службой.

    Иногородние клиенты могут получить
    билеты в кассах, в день
    мероприятия, или же купить электронный билет — E-Ticket.

    Для оплаты билетов на мероприятия можно воспользоваться наличными деньгами и банковскими картами.
    Конкретный вариант зависит от способа покупки.

    На нашем сайте представлена подробная афиша билетная
    касса театральная мероприятий в Москве билеты на концерты.
    Для каждого концерта, спектакля,
    мюзикла или шоу дается подробное описание
    и
    схема рассадки зрителей.
    Для упрощения поиска подходящего события можно использовать фильтры.
    На нашем портале предусмотрена сортировка по цене,
    дате, жанру мероприятия,
    а также выставка купить билеты концертной площадке.

    Изменения, которые вносятся в афишу Москвы, незамедлительно появляются на сайте, поэтому вы всегда будете в курсе событий.

    театральные кассы билеты квест комедия билет билет
    концерт билеты на фестиваль

    Reply

  31. Наш сайт является современным сервисом, позволяющим выбрать и
    купить билеты в режиме онлайн.
    У нас представлены все культурные мероприятия: спектакли,
    концерты, шоу, мюзиклы и фестивали.
    Вы найдете информацию и о проектах федерального
    значения, и о камерных представлениях.

    Воспользоваться предложением могут как жители столицы, так и
    граждане, проживающие в других населенных пунктах России, и иностранцы.
    По Москве и
    Подмосковью заказанные билеты
    доставляются нашей курьерской службой.
    Иногородние клиенты могут получить билеты в кассах, в день
    мероприятия, или же купить электронный билет —
    E-Ticket.
    Для оплаты билетов на мероприятия можно воспользоваться наличными деньгами
    и банковскими картами.
    Конкретный вариант зависит
    от способа покупки.
    На нашем сайте представлена подробная афиша
    мероприятий в Москве. Для
    каждого концерта, спектакля,
    мюзикла или шоу дается подробное описание и
    схема рассадки зрителей.

    Для упрощения поиска подходящего события можно использовать
    фильтры. На нашем портале предусмотрена сортировка
    по цене, дате, жанру мероприятия,

    а также концертной площадке.

    Изменения, которые вносятся в афишу Москвы, незамедлительно появляются
    на сайте, поэтому вы всегда будете в курсе
    событий.
    билет театр театр купить билеты

    Reply

  35. Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through a few of the
    posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m certainly happy I
    found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
    viagra Vs cialis vs levitra viagra Vs Cialis vs Levitra

    Reply

  55. Hahahahahahaha, this politics related YouTube video is actually so comic, I liked it. Thanks in support of sharing this. fccefbgdeeab

    Reply

  60. Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you
    using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m
    looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    how to buy cialis online Online Viagra and Cialis

    Reply

  61. An attentiongrabbing dialogue is worth comment. I believe that you must write extra on this subject, it won’t be a taboo topic but typically persons are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers akebbedbebed

    Reply

  99. Thank you a lot for giving everyone a very memorable opportunity to check tips from this web site. It is always very amazing and as well , stuffed with amusement for me and my office fellow workers to visit your site at least thrice a week to read the newest secrets you have. Not to mention, I am certainly contented with your tremendous tips served by you. Certain 1 ideas on this page are undoubtedly the very best I’ve had.

    Reply

  103. My wife and i were really joyous when Chris could conclude his basic research out of the ideas he discovered using your web site. It’s not at all simplistic to simply find yourself releasing facts that a number of people might have been selling. And we do know we now have the blog owner to give thanks to for that. The entire explanations you have made, the straightforward web site navigation, the friendships you make it easier to engender – it’s got many great, and it is letting our son in addition to our family believe that this idea is brilliant, which is exceptionally important. Thank you for everything!

    Reply

  106. I have to show my respect for your kind-heartedness for all those that have the need for guidance on that question. Your personal commitment to getting the solution up and down came to be rather invaluable and have all the time encouraged those much like me to get to their targets. Your amazing insightful useful information signifies a whole lot a person like me and still more to my fellow workers. With thanks; from everyone of us.

    Reply

  111. I simply needed to appreciate you once more. I do not know the things that I would’ve done without those creative concepts discussed by you directly on such industry. Entirely was a real frustrating setting in my position, but taking note of your professional tactic you managed that made me to leap over delight. I am just happy for your help and thus believe you find out what a great job you have been doing training men and women through the use of your blog. I am certain you’ve never encountered any of us.

    Reply

  129. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept egeaegddebaa

    Reply

    1. Hey there! I realize this is sort of off-topic but I had to ask.
      Does managing a well-established website such as yours require a massive amount work?
      I am completely new to blogging however I do write in my diary everyday.
      I’d like to start a blog so I can share my own experience and thoughts
      online. Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or tips for new aspiring blog owners.
      Appreciate it!

      my website; Go Here

      Reply

    2. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really understand
      what you’re talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also
      seek advice from my web site =). We will have a link
      alternate contract among us

      My homepage: news

      Reply

    3. Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.

      When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
      it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!

      Other then that, excellent blog!

      Look at my web page; index

      Reply
  648. Pingback: viagra for women
  650. Pingback: viagra for sale
  654. Pingback: cialis generic availability
  656. Pingback: viagra generic
  660. Pingback: cialis generic name
  664. Pingback: viagra online
  669. Pingback: cialis generic tadalafil
  672. Pingback: viagra online canada pharmacy
  677. Pingback: cialis generic tadalafil 10mg
  680. Pingback: viagra pills
  681. Pingback: cialis generic tadalafil 60mg
  682. Pingback: cialis generic tadalafil walmart
  683. Pingback: viagra prices
  684. Pingback: cialis generic tadalafil for sale
  685. Pingback: cialis generic tadalafil india
  686. Pingback: viagra sex
  687. Pingback: cialis prices 10mg
  688. Pingback: viagra side effects
  689. Pingback: viagra vs cialis
  690. Pingback: cialis prices 100mg
  691. Pingback: viagra without a doctor prescription
  692. Pingback: viagra without a doctor prescription from canada
  693. Pingback: cialis prices 20mg
  694. Pingback: cialis prices 5mg
  696. Pingback: generic cialis tadalafil 20mg
  697. Pingback: cialis prices walmart
  698. Pingback: generic cialis available
  699. Pingback: generic cialis pricing
  700. Pingback: best place to buy cialis online without script
  701. Pingback: generic viagra sildenafil citrate
  702. Pingback: buy cialis
  703. Pingback: sildenafil
  704. Pingback: buy cialis canada online
  705. Pingback: sildenafil 100mg
  706. Pingback: buy cialis generic tadalafil
  707. Pingback: sildenafil 100mg tablets
  708. Pingback: buy cialis online
  710. Pingback: sildenafil 20 mg
  711. Pingback: buy cialis online without script
  712. Pingback: sildenafil 20 mg tablet
  714. Pingback: where can i buy cialis over the counter at walmart
  715. Pingback: sildenafil 20 mg tablet vs viagra
  716. Pingback: where to buy cialis online safely
  717. Pingback: sildenafil citrate
  718. Pingback: sildenafil citrate 100mg
  719. Pingback: sildenafil citrate 20 mg
  720. Pingback: sildenafil coupons
  721. Pingback: sildenafil dosage
  722. Pingback: sildenafil generic