Salvation

[James_Tyler]

I have been up and down my own salvation. Working it out. Trying to be whatever it takes. I think that the real salvation is to forget about myself as much as I can and concentrate on the salvation of others. Or else I will always come back to that question “Will I ever be…fill in the blank…?” I have got to let myself go. Somehow. I have got stop trying to save myself so much.

 

[Bookcat]

Should we be concerned about the salvation of others? yes.

Should we be concerned (as in not forgetting about…) our salvation? yes.

Do we “earn” entering into a state of salvation (initial salvation)? no.

Such is by faith and baptism* into Christ* …entering into his Church.

Jesus is our salvation - (we do not “save ourselves”) - he is the way the truth and the life. His death and resurrection - which we focus on in the coming days - is our salvation.

Now are we to follow him and love others? yes most certainly. Are we to be concerned with the salvation of others - yes as we first said. But that does not mean that we forget about our salvation or are not concerned about remaining in the gift of “true life” - in Christ. Of living as his followers in the joy of being Christians.

By grace and cooperation - we grow in holiness …being more conformed to Christ our Lord.

 

[mommyof4]

I have been up and down my own salvation. Working it out. Trying to be whatever it takes. I think that the real salvation is to forget about myself as much as I can and concentrate on the salvation of others. Or else I will always come back to that question “Will I ever be…fill in the blank…?” I have got to let myself go. Somehow. I have got stop trying to save myself so much.

Good insight, and I have felt this way before, too. I think we need to find a good tension between being insightful to our own selves, performing a good examination of conscience, etc, and trying to grown in virtue. On the other hand, I think we need to be more aware of the needs of others in our own families, communities, etc. and focus on their needs, too, and be a bit more self-forgetting. Once I master this, I’ll let you know!

 

[MT1926]

I have been up and down my own salvation. Working it out. Trying to be whatever it takes. I think that the real salvation is to forget about myself as much as I can and concentrate on the salvation of others. Or else I will always come back to that question “Will I ever be…fill in the blank…?” I have got to let myself go. Somehow. I have got stop trying to save myself so much.

Matthew 25:40
40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’

This is a powerful verse that I wish my son would take to heart. Since he has become an Evangelical he is quick to note how important it is to put God first in his life. But he often fails to realize that Jesus said when you help someone else you are putting Jesus first in your life. Nothing comes before his time reading the Bible. Which most parents probably wish for, but when it gets to the point he wouldn’t set that Bible down if a man were drowning in front of him you know he is as you say “concentrating on his own salvation” and not the needs of others.

I spent a year and a half gutting and remodeling our guest house, to make it handicap accessible for my in-laws. He would only come over to help me when I would ask him and when he did he would treat me like I was wasting time that I should be reading the bible and was only doing it to because I expected a reward in heaven.

I think you are on the right track. Keep praying and helping others. We need more people who think of others first in this world.

 

[puzzledtoo]

In my view by performing selfless service to others we cannot help but help ourselves. The key words being “selfless service”. Not asking or expecting anything in return, not from them or any other being. Blessings.