“A Soul Seeking…The WAY!
The word way can have many different interpretations and applications. For instance which way is the restroom? This question speaks to the definition of way in reference to a road, track or path for traveling along. In comparison, the question “What is the best way to barbecue brisket- coals or hickory pellets?” In this context the term way means a method, style or manner of doing something.
So what role does way play in salvation. Last time we gathered in this “blog zone” we began our journey in mining the meaning of salvation. We began to explore John Wesley’s way of viewing and experiencing soteriology. Soteriology is…remember…the study of salvation. Wesley’s experience with salvation was evolutionary as he personally grew in the “grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 NKJV).
So the question is, how are we to grow in grace and knowledge as we mine the meaning of salvation. What can we glean from Wesley’s way of experiencing salvation? This week I suggest we wade through the waters of the Word to grow in knowledge and grace. Let us consider meditating on the following Scriptures to explore the way of salvation.
Devotional Scriptures:
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalms 16:11 NIV
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV
“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:16-17 NLT
The way of salvation is indeed the path to life (Psalms 16:11 NIV). One profound truth illuminated by this statement is that salvation is a pathway, not simply a finite step or conclusive decision. Salvation is a series of steps on a path that is an eternal relationship with the Triune God. This pathway of salvation leads to the destination of eternal fellowship (justification) with the Triune God and our transformation into the holy children of this God (sanctification). It is important to acknowledge that this path is not only about the destination, but also about the redemptive and transformative process prior to arrival (glorification).
So, how do we start on the path or take our first step towards a love-filled eternity with the Triune God? Well, we first acknowledge that the first anything is never “ours” to take. Every decision we make or step we take in life and towards life is always a response the the loving grace-fill decision that the Triune God has made FIRST. In John 15:16 Jesus affirms His initiating act of love to choose and appoint us to live in eternal connection with Him as the True Vine. Throughout chapter fifteen Jesus speaks to the way our connection with Him is intended to help us grow and produce spiritual fruit through our lives. The way or process for bearing fruit can be viewed in the light of the path of salvation. In order to go forward along the path or grow as the branches we have been chosen to be, we have to assume our responsibility in this relational connection. We have to remain connected to the vine, we must allow His words to remain in us, we are to obey His commandments, we are to remain in His love, and we are to cultivate a community of love by loving others the same way Christ first loved us.
As we continue along our journey as souls seeking…let is remain connected to the source of our salvation.
Come along the journey with me!
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