March brings a change of season. As we bid farewell to winter’s dormancy, we look for signs that indicate warmer temperatures are on the way. The indications are signs of new life. Evangelical Christianity has been looking for such signs too.
On one side are those who take raised hands and head nods as a signal of the Spirit at work amongst the unbelievers in a crowd. It sounds fair, but if the speaker failed to adequately address the problem of sin, the judgment on it, the payment made by Jesus on our behalf, and that centuries-old question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” then one can only wonder about reading signals from the crowd and the subsequent reporting of conversions to the cause of Christ.
Others will have nothing to do with such a shallow treatment and insist that true salvation is evidenced by works that will accompany one’s profession of faith. This crowd expects lost sinners to turn from wickedness and embrace discipleship to signify an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. But how often do such converts believe that salvation is tied to the things they do for their Lord? And how many “lose” their salvation when continuing along a path of rules and righteousness proves too difficult?
Neither false hopes nor flesh-dependent works should find their way into the gospel message. As a coin has two unique sides, so too does the moment of salvation, and John R. Van Gelderen explains this in his book, Repentance and Faith: Two Sides to One Decision. Learn this truth, avoid the extremes on the left and the right, and be clear when presenting a message of hope. Visit the Revival Focus webstore where you can find this book.
John Van Gelderen
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