23 - Beyond Salvation

Christ's salvation is not merely the starting point of our journey with Him; it is the bedrock upon which every step of our walk with Jesus is constructed. Through His mercy, we have been delivered from the bondage of sin and the old self, transitioning into a new existence as creations reborn in Christ. This transformation is cause for immense joy and praise to God, not only for the life we've left behind but even more so for the extraordinary new life we've entered. The act of salvation, as profound and foundational as it is, marks the beginning of a much richer, deeper engagement with God's purpose for us. 

Salvation is more than an escape from sin; it is an invitation to a life overflowing with divine promise, a life that actively contributes goodness and light to a world in need. Our worship evolves as we progress in our faith, moving beyond gratitude for rescue from sin to a celebration of the new creation we have become in Him. The forgiveness of sins, while monumental, is just the entry point into a life imbued with the presence of the Holy Spirit and the fullness that comes from living in God's grace.

Many believers, however, find themselves anchored to the moment of salvation, their spiritual journey circumscribed by the remembrance of being saved from sin. But God's vision for us encompasses so much more. Beyond the initial salvation, there lies a vast expanse of growth, learning, and discovery. It is a call to move beyond the joy of forgiveness to embrace the totality of a new, vibrant life in Christ—a life teeming with opportunities for growth, service, and transformation.

I urge believers to shift their focus from the rearview mirror of forgiveness to the horizon of what lies ahead. We are called not merely to celebrate our salvation but to step fully into the new life it has opened to us. This new existence is not just a concept to be appreciated but a reality to be lived out in fullness and faith. 

Imagine, if you will, a person who has been healed from an inability to walk. Once healed, they don't spend their entire life marveling at their ability to stand; they walk, they run, they explore the myriad of possibilities now available to them. Similarly, as Christians saved from sin, we are endowed with boundless opportunities to grow, serve, and glorify God through our lives. 

Let us, therefore, rise from the foundation of our salvation and step into the fullness of the new life Christ has bestowed upon us. It's a call to action, a divine invitation to experience, grow, and thrive in the richness of God's kingdom. This new life is not just a gift to be admired but a glorious adventure to be lived. It's time to move forward, embracing the vast, vibrant life laid out before us, a life where every step is a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love and salvation.