Most Christians believe that the main purpose of salvation is to avoid hell and go to heaven. They therefore, spend their time on earth waiting to be taken to heaven. But that’s not the truth of the gospel concerning salvation. If that’s the case, then those who receive Christ as their saviour would be translated straight to heaven, because heaven is a far better place than this earth.
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent”. (John 17:1-3).
Salvation is God rescuing humanity from our sinful condition. It’s about how we live – a way of life and the early disciples followed the way. Salvation is about receiving eternal life; it’s about having a relationship with God. God’s main reason for sending Jesus was to give us eternal life and restore fellowship. It just so happens that the salvation package includes receipt of eternal life, restoration of our relationship with God, avoid hell and gain heaven.
But while on this earth, there’s a kingdom way to walk. He invites you to follow Him and it’s not static but dynamic. You’ve been admitted into God’s wonderful kingdom, and you are told to take an active role in it. God is looking forward to working together with you in His kingdom. Jesus wants us to increase our knowledge of Him, and so, He has commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that He has commanded us.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mat, 28:18-20).