Presbyterian Devotions: Spirituality and Salvation

Psalm 11:7      For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.

There’s a saying amongst evangelical Christians which goes something like this: ‘Everybody has some form of spirituality, but not everyone has salvation.’

When God created human beings, He breathed life into the first bodies, according to Genesis 2: v 7

‘the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.’ Many theologians believe that the breath of life mentioned in the text actually refers to the spirit or soul of a human being. Because it contains the breath of God, this is what makes it eternal.

The spirit inside each of us longs to be reunited with God. This is why we are often restless, distracted, and dissatisfied at times throughout our lives. We each are seeking that divine reconnection. We all feel isolated and separated from the rest of creation at times. We all believe that there must be something better, something more meaningful, and something more to life itself. Our spirits yearn to be fulfilled, to find happiness, and to know peace. This is what salvation is: to be completely restored to God, the Giver of Life and the Creator of our spirits.

All people are spiritual then, but not all spirituality leads to salvation. This is why it is so important that Christ’s Church speaks out with certainty to the world. Christ’s Gospel reveals the whole truth about salvation and in Him we can be restored to God. Any other way is a spiritual path that leads people away from being made complete. Any other form of spirituality is bogus and ultimately ends up in oblivion.

Jesus came into the world to show us the path to salvation and the door to the Kingdom of God. We are not left without hope, like hapless creatures scurrying around the world seeking life’s answers. God cared enough for us and loved us so deeply that He sent Christ into the world to provide us with the answer to salvation. Jesus is the Way to return to God. In Him, the truth about salvation will set us free to be with God forever.

This is why Christianity is a missional faith and not a personal one. When we place our spirits into Christ’s hands, He asks us to go out into the world to share this salvation with others. Jesus wants everyone to be restored to God. He wants all spiritual people to find true salvation. It’s up to us to continue His ministry, by helping more people understand His crucial message.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You want everyone to be completely restored to God and to enjoy His presence forever. Our spirits long for that reconnection, sow e pray that Your Holy Spirit will help us to lead others to You, Your Way, and Your Salvation fro humankind. In Your Powerful and sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.