Christianity Operates by Invitation

In his excellent book 'Lead, Follow, and Move Hell out of the Way,' author Scott Prickett writes, "Invitation is the mechanism for multiplication."  This simple statement echoes an important point as it relates to the evangelical nature of the Christian faith.  Namely, that you invite people to meet Jesus, but you cannot argue anyone into salvation.  Some have stated that other religions rely on compulsion or an almost cult-like adherence to rigid rules and traditions (i.e.: "You must comply with our way of worship, or else.").  This type of fear mongering, however, often leads to problems with compliance and conversion over the long haul.  There is no grace here.

If we look at the Gospel of John, we see an entirely different way of thinking about faith.  John 10:17-18 says, "The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life - only to take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.  I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.  This command I received from my Father."  With this passage, Jesus not only speaks about his Lordship and God's sovereignty, but also about his willful sacrifice for us on the cross.  He lays down his life willingly.  Jesus suffered, died, and was buried, only to rise again on the third day.  This is the Easter miracle, and the lynchpin of our Christian faith.  

Now just imagine if his death and resurrection were out of compulsion and not love.  Think how much that would change the nature of Christianity.  The atonement for sin may not exist, and the cross would no longer be a symbol of love and grace.  Fortunately for you and I, the death of Jesus was instead a sacrificial act of love in order to reconcile humanity's sins.  Just as God called for Old Testament animal blood sacrifice, Jesus was mankind's sinless and perfect penitent (the blood of the Lamb).  And I believe that from this willing sacrifice, comes a tradition that is propagated upon the idea of grace through faith, by invitation.  He invites; we respond and follow.  

God never forces anyone to come to reconciliation with Himself via the cross.  He gives us the ability to choose Him (or not).  Although some interpretations of salvation Scripture argue a type of choice-less determinism (called predestination), I believe this to be a misnomer.  Hopefully the Calvinists will forgive me here, but I see no convincing argument to be made insisting that we cannot choose our own fate.  Believe that God raised Jesus in your heart, and speak about him with your mouth, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9).  Likewise, anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13).  These statements are part of something called the Roman Road to Salvation, and it outlines just how you and I might reach out to God and take Him up on His invitation for salvation.  He will not force us to come to Him, but He will definitely accept us if we do.  This is the promise of our faith.  

Take some time now, to think about the difference between two different types of religious examples.  The fear-mongering proselyte versus the grace-filled evangelist.  The first walks around attempting to argue or scare people into the Christian faith.  They may focus on hell and damnation, without ever mentioning Heaven or forgiveness.  Their protocol is to win over a new convert through force or coercion.  But now imagine the other type of individual.  Talking to them about God results in peace and good fruit (patience, kindness, joy, etc.).  They draw a portrait of God which includes goodness, grace, and love.  More like a good Father than an angry dictator.  Now, which version of the faith would you be more inclined to respond to?  The second type I'm sure.  

We are lucky to have such a unique and loving invitation to go deeper from God.  In fact, we are invited to look further into what it means to walk beside Jesus on a daily basis.  To find out what it means to be granted salvation by no means of our own.  This invitation waits for all of us - it is the Good News.  See now this remarkable passage from Matthew 7:8, "For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."  If you haven't already, it's time to start knocking on God's door.  Be assured that if you do, He will invite you in.    

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