Theology Matters

 

I submit to you with the greatest emphasis possible, that a “belief about God, his salvation, and his ways” (i.e., our THEOLOGY) which has little application to our lives, is a theology that is dead or dying (of course, this takes wisdom, teachers, and a lot of work). The Spirit gives life, and our salvation is about resurrection and transformation. Theology matters.

The problem that we often have with our “theology” about God, life, and the church, isn’t that beliefs coming from Holy Scripture are so impractical or unrelated to life, but that they are so practical that God’s greatness reminds us how small and needy we truly are. Instead of being grateful for his love and mercy, we become threatened that this God so above us might be trying to take something from us; that if we follow Him completely, we may end up losing something essential that we must have to be happy.

We do not merit our salvation; we cannot earn it, nor should we even try. However, God has made our redemption a gift, and a responsibility. To grow in Him means a lot of work, discomfort, and change. When we are motivated by unholy fear, guilt, and unbelief an “earned approach” appears. When we are motivated by love and gratitude, a trusting, joyous, and passionate sanctification occurs. However, our growth in holiness, while not meriting our position with God, IS still a part of our salvation as we turn from sin and self-rule to faithfulness and obedience to our Lord and His ways. This desire and these actions on our part take discipline, patience, and the acceptance of God’s mercy. This is our theology of sanctification, and it is God’s path to our final redemption.