A Reformation Lesson
By Karin Oerlemans
I sit in the classroom at the teacher’s desk, updating grades and absentees on my laptop. The rain, a dull grey sheet, a backdrop to the noise of the students chattering and laughing about the Reformation. I overhear – ‘it is pronounced prooo-test-anism’ amidst howls of mirth. I smile, well at least they are on task.
I notice a student, a young Hindu, at my desk. Her uncertain smile a clue that there is another hesitant question coming, “What does salvation mean?” She is new at our school, a private Kinder to Year 12 Christian College, which takes students from all faiths, so long as they are aware – we teach Christianity and faith-based education. I am stumped, not because I do not know the answer, but how to answer in 3 short sentences that will allow her to continue with her work yet satisfy her curiosity. My mind feverishly sorts out the words in my head.
“It means to be saved”, the words so familiar prattle from my mouth, to not keep her waiting, be brief, satiate her immediate need. Within the context of the Reformation, I explain to her that instead of having to pay for indulgences, Luther preached salvation by faith alone. No longer would Christians have to ‘pay’ for their forgiveness, instead Luther preached that simply believing in Christ, through faith, they can be saved. She nods her head sagely and takes herself back to her seat.
But the bell has gone, the class emptied of the horde, still laughing about the pronunciation of unfamiliar words ‘plen-ary, plen-air, plenty like that …”
I chew on a finger nail, and reflect on the question – what does salvation mean? How do you explain it in 3 short sentences? How big is that concept? It involves Christ’s death on the cross, His resurrection, forgiveness for our sin, atonement… Each of them a sermon, a lesson, a whole explanation in its own right!
I ponder the question as I drive home that afternoon, what does salvation mean? The Father’s love for us, His grace in that He so loved us He sent His only Son! The distance from the Father, before Jesus, the closeness to Him, so we can call Him, Abba! Each of these a lifetime of experience, a joy unfathomable, a gift.
And as I sit here at my computer, I turn to discuss it with my husband, who laughs and says, “It is …”, hesitates, “that’s a tough one!” And it is. Especially to a novice non-Christian. A Hindu with no background, no knowledge of the faith, no understanding of the familiar words, we as Christians know oh so well! Salvation.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17 NKJV)
Hope. Grace. Salvation.
You can find more from Karen following the link below to her blog.
