SALVATION: WHY IS IT NECESSARY?

What we believe about salvation is an indication as to what we believe about sin. For instance, if we believe that we have no sin, we will not find salvation necessary or even worthy of belief. If, however, we do believe that we are sinful, salvation becomes a necessity. But what does it mean to "be saved"? Does it mean that we won't ever commit another sin? Does it mean that we are brought into a closer relationship with Jesus so that we have a greater capacity for avoiding temptation? Does it mean that we will automatically go to heaven after we die? And, what are we being saved from? Evil influences here in this life? Eternal damnation? A sick soul?

The Old Testament tells us that salvation is heavily connected to real-life events. People ask God to save them from their enemies, from threats of nature, from sickness, from sinful acts committed against them. The New Testament makes salvation more spiritual. Salvation, that is, an eternal connection with God, comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout the Bible, however, we are told that salvation cannot be earned. God offers salvation to all human beings. Our only "act" is to have faith.

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After reading this advertisement, what do you think about the method that this "church" uses to spread the good news? What do their tactics for saving people say about their ideas of sin? Finally, do you agree that people can be coerced into faith, or that salvation can be forced upon people, as suggested in the article?