03.28.05
Spring Break: A Revelation on Salvation
The idea of spring break typically musters up the image of beaches, laziness, parties, alcohol, and promiscuity. My first spring break experience, though, was the polar opposite from the norm. I, along with a group affiliated with Wright State’s branch of Campus Crusade for Christ, were able to spend our minor vacation in urban Chicago for a missions outreach.
The trip as a whole is called Urban Immersion where students Campus Crusade students from various universities around the nation come together in major cities for service, learning, and evangelism. Our group was composed of students from
This was the first experience in both missionary work and urban experience for many of the students, including myself. We spent scrubbing the floors of a homeless shelter, sleeping in a drug recovery ministry, engaging ethnic outreach, holding an Easter children’s carnival, participating in numerous teaching and discussion sessions, and exploring the city itself.
What impacted me the most throughout the duration of this trip was what I learned about the meaning on faith. I made a profession of faith and was baptized when I was around twelve years of age when all my friends were doing the same. Since that time, I have had no noticeable growth spiritually in my life. I thought that this was normal because no one around me showed outward growth either. But, being immersed not only in missions work but also among the presence of Christians who are absolutely "sold-out" for Jesus, I have been forced to reconsider the security of my salvation.
Being very familiar, and being in agreement with, Modernistic (Calvinist) doctrine, I am certain that a person who has faith by the gift of grace cannot lose that faith (John 10:28-29). I am also aware that Jesus himself said that "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:18-20). So what am I to assume? I know that if God has redeemed me then I cannot be lost. I also know, though, my lack of fruit is a picture of an inward lack of true faith. I guess the conclusion would be that I new had the redemptive grace to begin with!
I feel as if I am at a spiritual stop sign waiting for the call to move forward. I now realize that what I once thought I had, I did not. I also realize that what others have, I myself now desire. I have become jealous of another’s relationship with God just as the Jews became jealous that the Gentiles could receive salvation (Rom. 11:11). But, what can I do. My previous efforts to come to God left me stalwart. If the bible is true in that mankind is completely depraved, (Ephesians 2:1) then what can I do for my salvation but hope that God would elect me? And, how does one know that they have been elected? Is desiring to know God a sign of ones election since, as Paul writes "no one seeks for God".
Regardless of what I desire, whatever occurs will happen only be the will of God. It is my hope that I fall under His favor.
Chris Said:
March 29, 2005 at 10:41 am
You are such an encouragement brother! You are doing just fine. We had some good conversations there, and I am encouraged to see you make such a profession publicly.
Yes, no one seeks, and yes we are completely depraved (as you have eloquently anunciated), but there is always another side to the coin:
Leroy Said:
March 29, 2005 at 3:18 pm
Good post! Your brother is a great spiritual brother of mine!
When you said ‘modernistic’, did you mean monergistic? http://www.monergism.com
Susie Said:
March 29, 2005 at 3:28 pm
Wow, that is really awesome to hear how God is working in you, Perry. Thanks for sharing.
Gwen Said:
March 29, 2005 at 9:50 pm
Perry, I’m really glad we had the chance to talk some in Chicago last week. Your pursuit in searching out what is Truth is so encouraging; continue to challenge yourself in your desire for a life of faith in Christ.
You are right in saying that man is completely depraved (Jeremiah 13:23) and that no man has the agency within him to do what is right and gain salvation. However, what is impossible with man is possible with God who bore His own wrath for the sake of His children, for through the sanctifying and regenerating work of the Spirit, the eternally dead have the infinite blessing of eternal life.
What then can we say?
Well, to quote the following paragraph of the passage that Chris included: “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:11-13).
And from Jeremiah 29:11-14a: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord.”
Keep seeking–our Sovereign Lord and Savior is faithful to His promises.
Matt Martin Said:
March 30, 2005 at 10:01 am
It brings such joy to see what God has been doing in your life lately, Perry!!! I can see through your study and through the fruits of your study that Christ is lifting the vail, and I pray you come to recognize that truth. While I agree wholeheartedly with the monergistic view of the Scriptures and salvation, I also know that the Bible commands its readers and hearers to “Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Your desire to have a relationship with God in Spirit and in Truth is certainly not of yourself, it is born of God and it is to the praise of His glory. Continue to study the Word and place yourself around God’s people Perry, those are two ways He will continue to work on you. And above all else, realize that there is nothing and no one that you could pursue that would bring you as much pleasure and satisfaction than Jesus Christ. Knowing Him is the pinnacle of human experience!
Grace and Peace
Bethany Said:
April 7, 2005 at 10:50 am
Praise God that you saw what a beautiful life we have when we follow are Lord and Savior! Rock on brotha!