Microsoft Word - ChristianityNotReligionBkMSS.doc

(WallPaper) #1

Person of Jesus Christ, rather than a packaged solution to
an identifiable social or personal problem. Even if the
perceived problem is the spiritual depravity of an
unregenerate individual, we do not extend or apply a
packaged salvation to fix their spiritual problem, but point
them to, and seek to introduce them to the risen Lord Jesus
as their Savior. And even this mission objective must not
be perceived as a problem-solving project to win the world
to Christ by a particular point in time. Christianity is not a
problem-solving project to create perfect individuals,
perfect churches, a perfect society, or a perfect world.
Rather, Christianity is a personal Savior, Jesus Christ. He
did not come to be a remedy to problems, but to be the
Redeemer of mankind.
When Christianity is regarded as a packaged solution to
identifiable social or personal problems, the reality of
Christianity becomes objectified as an “it,” some “thing” to
be applied to a problem as a utilitarian instrument. The
message of Christianity is thus static and objectified, linear
and causal, historicized and theologized as a personal and
social solution. Jesus is not a solution! He is “the way, the
truth and the life” (John 14:6), the modality, reality and
vitality of God who has invested Himself into the human

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