I had these other posts to put up…but, naaah.

I had been pondering on a few things lately, namely things like the nature of salvation and the fact that Dr.Spina called me “Mr.Protestant” in class the other day. Nonetheless, at the end of the day I decided that I was in way too far over my head discussing the nature of salvation and telling you that Dr.Spina called me “Mr.Protestant” only took a few seconds. So, I decided to forgo the writing of two separate blogs and just do an impromptu sesh (session).

I think that sometimes we really wonder if we can know if we’re saved or not. Some people say no. Other people say yes. I think that saying “no.” isn’t being really realistic with the very scripture we have. I think that there are definately places where the Apostle Paul is sure that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

At the same time though, let’s be honest, while we don’t save ourselves we are to participate in our salvation. I heard this described by a local pastor recently. He described a relationship with God as a marriage. In a marriage not every day is smashingly awesome. There are some days where you’re at each others’ throats, but nonetheless you wake up the next day and bring what you’ve got to the table. You keep doing this. For your entire life. It’s somewhat like that with God. We are in relationship with God, it takes effort. Every day. The fact that we put out effort in participating is what I think Jesus meant when He said to “abide” in Him. We aren’t perfect, and in fact our walk on this side of the resurrection will not be that way. Fact. 

However, to assume that we aren’t saved because our relationship with Jesus is messy and has ups and downs involving us being unfaithful does not mean that we need to worry about not being able to be in relationship with God. When you love someone, do you hold their mistakes against them? Or do you forgive them? See? I think God is the same way. 

The scripture present us with a tension. Example: the book of John tells us that Jesus chose us, but we’re also supposed to abide in Him. In Matthew we have a strong memo that people who do great miracles have the possibility of not even being known by God and that people who don’t show compassion to the “least of these” have issues come the judgement day. I think that the whole of the canon seems to reflect this too. I didn’t quote the verses, so maybe you don’t believe me, but I assure you it’s there.

It seems like the Scripture assumes that our relationship with the Lord will spill over into our lives and interactions with other people, which is a good assumption for it to make. However, we can’t be perfect, nor can we feed every hungry person, and God forgives us for our mistakes (in fact He already has). Yet, if every person is someone for whom Christ died can we use this as an excuse not to love them in a very this-world sense? Isn’t it already assumed that as Christians this is something we at the very least take seriously? When I write things like this it convicts me. I guess that helps me see things and be honest with you, and possibly lets us into this notion of “abiding” it seems like our abiding in Christ is shown through our actions and our heart. 

K. So other things now. I went to portland Oregon this weekend and saw my freshman year PA. I got to see the sights. I went to Cannon Beach and made a fire. I went to the biggest bookstore in the world and bought 30$ worth of spanish literature. I hung out with my friend brent and his girlfriend mami (who is japanese…from Japan). I learned how to say my name is Chauncey and I am from Seattle. Cool huh? Yeah. I thought so. I had a great weekend and I got lots of HW done on the train. Now it’s time for some more of it.

One last thing, I talked with my friend Ryan on the phone for about an hour and a half. His perspectives on life were really great. Honestly, it is so very helpful to talk with someone who had just graduated a few years ago about life in the Senior year. I know that the end of college is coming. I wore a shirt and shorts without a jacket tonight and wasn’t cold…Spring is here, and therein…graduation. Add a wistful/nostalgic feeling here for effect. Ryan helped me to see something though. I think that in the end, it will be okay. In fact I think it will be really good to graduate.

God willing, if you miss me next year you can just come visit me wherever I am. Have a good day.