Salvation

The current definition of salvation is "the forgiving of the believer's sins through the atoning blood of Jesus so when he dies he will go to Heaven and live forever in a mansion."

The current definition invites but does not require a change in the individual. It appeals to man's instinct for self-preservation. The current definition does not stress the transformation of the personality of fallen man or the restoration of Paradise on the earth. It does speak of eternal life, but eternal life is defined as going to Heaven to live forever in a mansion of glory, to walk on streets of gold, and to possess gold, silver, and precious stones. There will be no death there, no pain, no tears, it is taught, referring to a passage that in actuality is speaking not of the Church but of the nations of the saved on the new earth (Revelation 21:4).

The current definition emphasizes our escape from Hell when we die and our entrance into Paradise, into the Presence of Jesus, the saints, and the holy angels. The current definition stresses forgiveness rather than deliverance—a forgiveness that results in going to Heaven when we die rather than to Hell.

The current definition is widely held among us. It may appear to be close enough to the Scripture to be acceptable. However, it is in error. The error of it is destroying the Kingdom of God in the earth.

By defining the Christian salvation as a plan whereby untransformed people can enter Heaven when they die, the chief work of the Kingdom of God is ignored. The chief work of the Kingdom of God is the doing of God's will in the earth as it is in Heaven.

Naturally, Satan and his worshipers have an interest in preserving the wickedness that is widespread among the nations of our day. Therefore Satan and his angels are willing that we emphasize dying and going to Heaven by faith, or even by a "rapture" in which untransformed individuals are removed from the earth.

Satan's goal is to maintain his image and ways among earth's people. As long as the Christians make their goal the attainment of residence in the spirit realm, Satan is undisturbed. Satan's fear is that the Christian churches will discover that the Messianic redemption is a plan whereby the Presence of God and Paradise can return to the earth, accompanied by the removal of the image and ways of Satan.

The current incorrect definition of salvation is not as innocent as it may appear. Its effect on the world has been and continues to be a nullifying of God's intention to destroy the works of Satan through Christ (I John 3:8).

A corollary of the current definition is that the Christian Gentiles are to be carried up to Heaven by faith, along with God's Spirit, while the elect Jews are left to establish an earthly kingdom. By employing this concept the believers can discard all teachings of righteous behavior by stating that such are directed toward the Jews.

To be continued.