The Path of Faith

Escaping Hell or Embracing Christ

The Path of Faith

Escaping Hell or Embracing Christ

***This article is inspired by a quote I saw on Facebook. Here is the quote:

James A. Harding (d. 1922), co-founder of Lipscomb University and itinerant evangelist who conducted over 300+ protracted (10+ days) meetings from 1876 to 1891

I have observed that those speakers as a rule secure the greatest number of accessions who dwell most upon escaping hell and getting into heaven, and least upon the importance of leading lives of absolute consecration to the Lord; in other words their converts are much more anxious to be saved than they are to follow Christ.

(Gospel Advocate 27 [14 September18871, 588).***

Christian discipleship carries with it the responsibility of aligning one's life with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. This responsibility often confronts believers with a pivotal question: Do we obey the gospel to avoid the punitive fires of hell, or do we follow Jesus out of a sincere desire to emulate His life and teachings?

James A. Harding, a significant figure in the Christian Restoration Movement, offered a keen observation on this matter. He noted that the greatest number of conversions were often achieved by those who emphasized the fear of eternal damnation and the allure of heavenly reward. Yet, he also pointed out a concerning trend—such converts were more preoccupied with their own salvation than with the lifestyle and sacrifices that true discipleship entails.

This observation invites Christians to examine the essence of their obedience. Are we seeking to avoid judgment, or are we genuinely pursuing a transformation into the likeness of Christ?

Salvation as an Entrance, Not a Destination

The New Testament portrays salvation not as a destination but as an entrance into a new way of living. When Jesus Christ called His followers, He did so with a simple yet compelling invitation: "Follow me." This invitation was to a path of continuous growth, learning, and self-denial. In the Gospel of John, Jesus describes Himself as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), indicating that following Him is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.

The Call to New Life

The Apostle Paul delves deeper into this concept in his letter to the Romans, portraying baptism as a symbolic act of dying to the old self and rising to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). This new life is marked by the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Such qualities are not indicative of a fear-driven adherence to doctrine but of a heart transformed by the love of God and the teachings of Christ.

Obedience Beyond Fear

While the fear of hell may initially draw individuals to seek salvation, it is a limited and incomplete motivation. True discipleship flourishes out of love and reverence for God, not out of fear of punishment. The first epistle of John emphasizes that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), suggesting that mature faith operates out of love rather than fear.

The Continuous Journey of Discipleship

Christian discipleship is a journey that involves daily decisions to follow Jesus, to adopt His priorities, and to engage with the world in the way He did. It calls for a persistent effort to embody the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, to love one's neighbor, and to live a life of service. This journey is not one of solitary endeavor but is to be walked in communion with others, as the early believers did, sharing in fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:42).

Conclusion

In light of Harding's insights, Christians are encouraged to reflect on their motivations and to reorient their discipleship towards authentic transformation. The call to follow Christ is an invitation to a life that consistently seeks to mirror the character of Jesus, a life that is not driven by the fear of hell but inspired by the hope and love found in Christ. This obedient following is the hallmark of true discipleship, a commitment to live by the principles of the Kingdom of God, and to bear witness to the grace that has been extended to all.