The Reality of our Salvation

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory,the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14

Do you love going to the movies? I sure do. There’s something special about grabbing some snacks, a cozy drink, and settling in to watch a movie, whether it’s a beloved old favorite or a new flick that’s caught my eye. But have you ever stopped to think about what makes the movie experience so magical?

We’re drawn to movies because they transport us to a place of wonder and fantasy. They tell stories of heroism, redemption, and battles against evil that captivate our imaginations. Through cinema, we get to experience a world beyond our own, if only for a couple of hours, living vicariously through characters that inspire us or even make us wish we could step into their shoes. That’s the magic of storytelling, isn’t it?

But then the credits roll, and we’re brought back to reality, often left wondering what it would be like if the stories we just saw were real. A truly great film leaves us pondering that possibility. Yet, we’re also hit with the sobering truth that it was all make-believe.

As we return to our daily lives, we’re reminded that we’ve got our own stories to live—with all their challenges, our pasts, and the uncertainties that lie ahead.

Movies offer us a brief escape, a chance to experience our best selves in another world. But they also make us face the reality of our flaws and the darker sides of human nature.

Heinrich Emil Brunner, a Swiss theologian, once said:

“…the message of the cross proclaims to each one of us, even the most virtuous among us: You are a sinner, in disharmony with God and, consequently, with your neighbor. You are self-seeking, desiring to appear clever and to achieve greatness through your inherent abilities. But why, you may wonder, must we dwell so intensely on human sin? It is because at our core, we have each strayed: I am without God, devoid of love, self-seeking, fleeing from God.”

It’s easy to believe that everyone has a good heart deep down, and I wish that were true. Yet, not everyone I’ve met convinces me of this. We’re all capable of incredible goodness, but we’re equally prone to sin, whether it’s hidden away or blatantly harmful.

Movies often remind us of our deep-seated desire to overcome evil. However, it’s only through Christ that true victory is possible. He works within us on a personal and intimate level to conquer sin.

Salvation doesn’t offer us an escape into fantasy but presents us with the truth. Jesus died for our sins and achieved what we could never do on our own. He rose again, and through Him, we’re promised not a make-believe wonderland but a real and glorious future for everyone who believes.