Being saved is about love not fear

Jesus did not come to conquer, intimidate, or scare us. He came to save us with love.

Growing up in South Texas as a teenager on multiple occasions we were exposed to the concept of being saved. The message that a fate of hellfire and damnation for eternity was our destination was espoused by evangelical protestants and the Roman Catholics. We were doomed to eternal torture unless we were saved weighed heavily on my mind. Adolescence is a transitional time leaving the magical assumptions of childhood to beginning confrontation of the realities of adult life. We become aware that mortal life will end and that we have to assume some responsibility for consequences of our actions. The goal was to instill so much fear into me that I would seek to be saved. It was not about love.

The Greek word σῴζω (sōzō) is used in Acts, Romans, Matthew, Corinthians, and Ephesians. It is translated to saved in English. In Greek it refers more then just escaping a fate or punishment. This word goes farther to imply not just escape but deliverance. Forgiveness of sin, healing, and restoration from a loving God are included as outcomes in this concept of being saved. There is a real transformation from being in a state of sin to a rebirth and rejoining with Christ.

This emphasis of love not intimidation drew me into the Episcopal Church. Even in it’s early Anglican ancestry of the Celtic Church it stressed the message of good news over intimidation by damnation more then it’s continental contemporaries.

This transformation is powered by God’s love for mankind. This transformation changes us from being self-directed away from God to seeking God. All that is required is that we accept Jesus the Word of God, our Savior as our true and only delivery.