For many Christians and non-Christians alike, the “Good News” of the Bible is a message of individual people receiving forgiveness and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus. Certainly that’s a part of it, but check out how biblical writer Paul describes the Good News…
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20)
Paul casts a vision for a reconciliation of everything, with both the physical and spiritual realms brought together in unity through the blood of Jesus. This is nothing short of a cosmic redemption.
The next verse reads…
“This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body.” (Colossians 1:21)
Sure the Good News is about individuals receiving forgiveness and eternal life, but Paul doesn’t even start there. Apparently Paul didn’t hold a western perspective like the American church does, where we start (and mostly finish) with the individual.
After laying out this massive plan, Paul reminds the people that they must stand firmly in it. He knows there will be temptation to drift.
“But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.” (Colossians 1:23)
Could it be that over time Christians have drifted from this full message of redemption? I’ll tell you right now the answer is yes.
As centuries rolled by, the Good News evolved from a world-transforming message to one that merely saves individual souls and secures their spot in a super spiritual heaven. This loss of vision is largely responsible for Christianity losing its place of influence in mainstream cultures of the world.
The work of Jesus transforms the individual but it was never meant to stop there. This is why a core conviction of #LiveFully is “the redemption of Jesus transforms every area of personal life and positively impacts every channel of cultural life.”
Christians need to embrace the biblical message of redemption in all its fullness, and re-imagine how every area of culture can be a place for God’s people to shine. It’s time we start asking, “What does redemption look like in ________?” – whether our marriage, business, art, entertainment, education, etc. – and acting on those ideas!
What are your ideas, stories, or real experiences of Christians seeking redemption in various areas of life?
