Exploring the Christian faith can often seem like navigating a complex maze. Theological concepts, big words, and deep discussions can make it seem daunting. But the heart of the matter is beautifully simple: Salvation in Christ. In this series, we'll dive into what it means to be saved, sticking closely to Wesleyan theology and making it easy for new believers or those exploring the faith to understand.
Getting a Grasp on What We Mean By Sin
When we talk about sin, we're talking about actions or things we do that create distance between us and God and between us and other people. These actions leave wounds so deep that we can't heal them alone. Think of it like a severe injury – you can't fix it alone. You need a physician's care.
The Reality of Evil
While we may not know what to call it, we can see that there is something in the world at work against life and flourishing. We call that evil and it's the pain, suffering, violence, and indifference we see in the world. Some might say evil is caused by the devil or demons, but let's keep it simple. Evil often begins with external temptations, like harmful systems and structures. For example, racism is one of these harmful systems that goes against what God wants for the world.
Defining Sin
Sin is when we get caught up in or participate in these harmful systems. It's not just the apparent actions but also our attitudes and the things we don't do that can perpetuate these systems. For instance, when we buy products made in sweatshops or ignore the struggles of others, we're participating in sin, even if we don't realize it.
A Personal Journey
Here's the thing: we're born into these systems, and they shape our thoughts and actions long before we know it. So, even a tiny, seemingly harmless action, like buying something from a store, can play a part in these harmful systems. You don't need to imagine a horned devil; real-world evil is the impact of these systems that challenge what God intends for us.
The Hope of Salvation
The beauty of understanding sin and evil is that we're not forced to comply with these oppressive systems as they exist. Our actions aren't defined for us; God initiates a healing process within us. Through this process, we have the choice to follow Christ and resist evil.
Salvation is about realizing that you don't have to be a slave to these systems. Instead, God invites you to embark on a transformative journey. Through faith in Christ, you begin healing from sin's wounds. This process empowers you to choose a different path to stand against the evil in the world.
As you move forward in this series, you'll discover that salvation is not just a far-off promise; it's a present reality that empowers you to change your life and participate in God's plan to heal the world. You're not alone in this journey. God is the Great Physician, and your faith in Christ is the first step towards a better, more righteous living.
Conclusion
As you'll discover in this series, salvation is a simple but profound journey. It's not about being perfect from the start; it's about starting a beautiful journey with Jesus, where you're forgiven for your mistakes and become a better person every day.