[Biblical] salvation lies not in an escape from this world but in the transformation of this world. ... You will not find hope for the world in any of the religious systems or philosophies of humankind. ... The Biblical version is unique. That is why when some say there is salvation in other faiths too, I ask them - "What salvation are you talking about?" No faith holds out a promise of eternal salvation for the world - the ordinary world - that the cross and resurrection of Jesus do.
Agreed! We evangelicals should be careful. In an effort to deal with the liberal detraction from core concepts regarding the cross, e.g., penal substitution, we often failed to recognize the more comprehensive nature of salvation and grace. The above reinforces that this broadness is also part of the beauty and uniqueness of Christianity.
Keller adds these thoughts:
What does it mean, then, to become part of God's work in the world? What does it mean to live a Christian life? One way to answer that question is to look back into the life of the Trinity and the original creation. God made us to ever increasingly share in his own joy and delight in the same way he has joy and delight within himself. We share his joy first as we give him glory (worshipping and serving him rather than ourselves); second, as we honor and serve the dignity of other human beings made in the image of God's glory; and third, as we cherish his derivative glory in the world of nature, which also reflects it. We glorify and enjoy him only as we worship him, serve the human community, and care for the created environment.
I like the balance.
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