A Gospel of Love and Salvation

Last evening I was reading from one of the early apostolic fathers, a text titled the Epistle to Diognetus. This was written in the between 150-225AD and was written to a Greek individual explaining the Gospel and Christians. It is very interesting reading for you get a bit more insight into the early church and what they understood the Gospel message to be. Here is a quote from the 7th chapter, verses 3-5.

He is speaking of Jesus being sent by the Father God. ..."But perhaps he sent him, as a man might suppose, to rule by tyranny, fear and terror? Certainly not! On the contrary, he sent him in gentleness and meekness, as a king might send his son who is a king; he sent him as God; he sent him as a man to men. When he sent him, he did so as one who saves by persuasion, not compulsion, for compulsion is no attribute of God. When he sent him, he did so as one calling, not pursuing; when he sent him, he did so as one loving, not judging."

These verses present Jesus as I understand Him and know Him. He does not rule and command based on fear or punishment, but rather through kindness, gentleness, persuasion, mercy and love. Sometimes I fear that we have lost this version of Jesus, as we preach holiness and purity which too often turns into religion, works and judgment. As bearers of the truth, we can slip into pride and proclaim judgment upon all who don't understand or embrace the truth that we know. The gospel should not instill fear, nor be forcefully extended, but rather be spread in love, gentleness and persuasion through our lives and love for one another. The church must not take on character traits that are not seen in Jesus.

The other day I was reflecting on becoming more Christ-like, and I was reminded of the WWJD bracelets, which were in fad several years ago. They ask a good question, "What would Jesus do?". While this is helpful in guiding our attitudes and behaviors, we are all called to represent Jesus as He is in the present. We can use historical knowledge of Christ to guide us, but He is alive and at work today, and desires to use us as His representatives. Might we better ask ourselves, "What does Jesus want to do right now?"

It is my belief that if we pursue Christ Jesus in this present moment and ask Him to guide us in action and attitude, that we will faithfully represent Him to our world. If we allow His voice to be heard in our life and we embrace His heart for the people around us, we will operate out of the same characteristics as He did - love, compassion, gentleness, kindness, mercy, grace, persuading and inviting.

Let us pray for the church to embrace and live out this Gospel of love and salvation. "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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17 NIV). "This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." ( 1 John 4:17-19 NIV).

Amen!