I’m infamous for saying this once at a small group Bible study in my formative college years. The context in which I said this shocking statement was in a heated discussion about whether baptism was necessary “to get into Heaven.” The idea that we, as a group, were so focused on what happened to us after we died and not on the power of God’s transformation in our lives on this earth, didn’t sit well with me. It was at that moment that God started leading me on a path to explore what Christ’s power can do for us and to us in this life. At that moment, after I said those fateful words, I realized, that to me, Heaven just doesn’t seem like the point.
The kingdom of God is not near — it’s here! We are ushering in God’s Kingdom — right now! We are doing it by taking care of the poor, feeding those who are hungry, educating students so they can strive for a better future. Our hope, our salvation lies in obeying God on this earth, doing his will for those who are suffering now. Our salvation lies in allowing God to transform us, to free us from sin — in this life–not just the next.
I’ve been thinking about this idea for years, but only recently has it become a passion of mine to help others understand the saving work that God is doing for us today, on this earth. In my 24:7 class at church, Bill Buckley Jr. has been teaching us lessons on the works of Christ in this life, and for that I am so thankful. This discussion is already beginning. Just yesterday, I read an excellent post by my former psychology professor, Dr. Richard Beck, about this very issue. If you read this post, don’t freak out about the title that includes the word Universalism. I’m not a Universalist — at least not yet 🙂 I’m so glad that this discussion is being had in Sunday school, on blog posts, and among friends.
Now don’t get me wrong: I still like the idea of Heaven (though my views on what the afterlife will really be like have been heavily influenced by N. T Wright’s Surprised by Hope). I hope to go there when I die, but I would also hope that we focus more on bringing Heaven to earth right now.
small ways 