Challenging The “Notion” of Salvation

Keith KettenringBible Insights, Christian Living, The Uncommon Journey

A couple months ago I took an informal survey on Facebook. “What is your understanding of salvation?” I asked. None of the answers were identical. However, most of them had a few things in common. They described salvation as something having to do with sin, with Christ’s death on the cross, or with getting us to heaven. I thought of these responses as I read this morning about Jesus’ entry into the Temple. It was there that just, devout, and Spirit-directed Simeon held in his arms the infant Jesus, “Your salvation.” 

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Here is the full prayer of Simeon: 

Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. (Luke 2.29-32)

Salvation, according to Simeon and by implication (“Your”) the Father, is a Person.

Salvation is not a concept you describe. Salvation is a person with whom you have a relationship.

Salvation is not an idea you debate. Salvation is a flesh and bones Reality you enter into.

Salvation is not some-thing you do. Salvation is Someone you join.

Salvation is not an “it.” Salvation is a “He.”  

Salvation belongs to the Father who has shared Him with us. He is not yours to do with as you desire. 

For most of us, salvation has been reduced to a belief in certain ideas, propositions, or doctrines. You “go to heaven” when you believe “this.”  

But, according to Simeon, who is far beyond any of us in his holiness and knowledge of God, salvation is the person of Jesus Christ, even in His infancy.

Is this your understanding of salvation? It was not my understanding for decades. “It” had been made out to be “something” else. It had been reduced to only certain aspects of Jesus – primarily His death on the cross.

(He is “light” and “glory” also. But that’s for another post.)

Salvation is about knowing salvation through union with Salvation. He comes to earth for this purpose – to save.

How does this understanding of salvation affect you? Share below.

Dr. K