The Term and Concept of "Personal Savior"
I find it very disturbing when something unnecessary is added to the Gospel. The use of the term "Personal Savior" isn't very harmful in itself, but it shows a kind of mind - set that is willing to "invent" terms, and then allow these terms to be preached as if they were actually found in the Bible. But why must we do this? Why must we add needless, almost meaningless things to the Gospel? It is because we've taken so much out that we have to replace it with "spiritual double talk."
That's right, double talk! Would you ever introduce your sister like this: "This is Sheila, my personal sister"?! Or would you point to your navel and say, "This is my personal bellybutton"? Ridiculous! But nevertheless, people solemnly speak of Christ as their personal Savior, as if they've got Him right there in their shirt pocket - and as if when He returns, He will not have two, but three titles written across His thigh: King of kings, Lord of lords, and PERSONAL SAVIOUR! (See Rev. 19:16.) This is only one example of how a non-biblical term can be elevated to reverence by the Church, as if to say, "Well even if it isn't in the Bible - it should be!"
HT: What's Wrong With the Gospel
HT: What's Wrong With the Gospel
Great post bro...
ReplyDeleteThis statement is (paraphrased): “Nowhere in scripture is Jesus referred to as someone’s “personal savior”. He is referred to by His followers as Lord, Teacher, Master…” David Platt.
Ang term man gud nga personal saviour carries connotations similar to “personal trainer”. That is, He belongs to me, He serves or provides service to me. Iring nga kina-iya ba…f you have read the book “Cat & Dog Theology” u will understand what I’m saying… It creates no connotation of my absolute duty and service to Him. No hint that I was purchased at a price, rather than the other way around.
wowow!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments Zone2Comcen and Colin!!!
ReplyDeleteWilliam Chantry expressed it this way, "Our ears have grown accustomed to hearing men told to “accept Jesus as your personal Saviour,” a form of words which is not found in Scripture. It has become an empty phrase. These may be precious words to the Christian—“personal Saviour.” But they are wholly inadequate to instruct a sinner in the way to eternal life. They wholly ignore an essential element of the Gospel, namely repentance. And that necessary ingredient of Gospel preaching is swiftly fading from evangelical pulpits, though the New Testament is filled with it.…
Paul confronted the intellectuals of Mars’ Hill by preaching, “God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent” ( Acts 17:30 ). This was no optional note on the apostolic trumpet. It was the melody, the theme of their instructions to sinners. Merely to talk about “accepting a personal Saviour” eliminates this crucial imperative."
Someone send this to goofy preachers out there!!!