Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada

1. You already are.

The United Church is part of a tradition (going back to the Protestant Reformation) that believes we are saved by grace; that God has already offered us complete love and forgiveness without our having to (or being able to) do anything to deserve it. This grace has the power to turn lives around and even change society. We can't "earn" it, but we can receive it by the gift of faith.

2. Get comfortable with grace.

"Grace" means that God gives you all the good stuff-forgiveness, salvation, love, and life-as free gifts. Some people have a hard time with the idea of getting something for nothing, but if you keep your eyes open you will soon begin to see God's grace all around you.

3. Practise losing yourself and letting go.

Staying focused on yourself can make it difficult to open up to a grace-filled world. But giving of yourself, your time, and your possessions can put you in a receptive frame of mind. This is important, as salvation cannot be "found" by looking for it; it is only revealed.

4. Admit your limitations.

Without straying into despair or false modesty, make an honest confession to yourself and to God. Being saved doesn't mean being perfect. It means turning toward God, knowing that you are not alone, that you are not overcome by evil, and that you are utterly loved. This is the antidote to the fears and temptations that turn you from God.

5. Accept your uniqueness.

In God's eyes, you are worthy. God will spend your whole life trying to convince you of this. When you accept that you are a gift, it will be easier to receive grace.

6. Love God back.

Spend time in worship, prayer, and serving others. The United Church has a Methodist heritage of "holiness"-fighting the good fight and striving vigorously to serve God and the world. This is not to "earn" salvation, but to express gratitude and joy in God's goodness and love.

7. It's Not All About You.

Salvation is more than personal. It's not simply about "getting into heaven." Salvation means deliverance, rescue, or liberation. When the Hebrews escaped from slavery in Egypt, that was salvation. When Jesus changed the lives of people around him, that was salvation. When the disciples met the crucified Jesus risen from the dead, they knew God's salvation had come to them in a decisive way. When we know that we are forgiven and accepted, when we know that the power of death is overcome, when we find new love in our hearts, and strength to struggle against evil and injustice so that all may experience abundant life, this too is salvation.

Be Aware

• The apostle Paul's summary of the gospel goes like this: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-not the result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)."
• Some theological traditions see the death of Jesus as the primary act in God's salvation plan. ("Jesus died for your sins.") United Church theology tends to hold up Jesus' birth, life, and teaching, as well as his death and resurrection, as ways that "Jesus saves."
• Much of our Christian history--from its ancient origins, through the Protestant Reformation and Methodist awakening, to today--is an ongoing debate about the nature of salvation. You could read a lot in this field if you wanted to. Or you could just keep reading this book. It is easier, and has pictures.