"Love Wins" ch. 5

"Love Wins"...unless you are Rob Bell. Ever since the release of his new book, Rob Bell has seen praise from the New York Times and backlash from the evangelical church. It seems there has been no end to the opinions expressed by those that have not even read the book. So, in an effort to find out if "Love Wins" for me, I have bought a copy and will be blogging my reflections through it as I read. My hope is that I will be affirmed, edified and enlightened in the truth of the Gospel message, but if not, then the $24 I spent on the brand new hard cover edition can just be my early birthday present for Rob...

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Chapter 5


The illustration at the beginning of this chapter made me laugh. Apparently, Rob Bell is an Eminem fan.

Wow. I guess I see Rob as more of a Coldplay kind of guy...I didn't know he dabbled in hip-hop. What other surprise musical tastes could there be? Gaga perhaps?

Regardless, this chapter begins with the cross. It's a symbol of death, sacrifice, and conversely, a symbol of hope, life, and resurrection. Bell discusses how the New Testament writers described Christ's work on the cross in a manner that was relevant to the culture of the day. The cross represented:

The Final Sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 9)

Reconciliation for all people (Colossians 1)

Justification for sinners (Romans 3)

Conquest of sin and death (2 Timothy 1; 1 John 5)

Redemption for all people everywhere (Ephesians 1)

The cross is bigger than just being for "me". It is the resurrection of life, hope, and dignity for everyone...even the people you least expect.

Awesome.

Bell's other point is: "Familiarity can lead to unfamiliarity."

We, as Christians, can too easily think we have church, religion, and God figured out and so we...stop...seeking. We stop asking. We stop knocking on the door of heaven to enhance our understanding of truth. We can too easily dig a trench in a position and aggressively defend that instead of searching for truth and a larger understanding of doctrines in order to be empathetic to others.

Further, I would argue that when the church adopts a limited, nonempathic view towards others, it creates an even more limited, nonempathetic view of church, religion, and God to those outside of the church. That's why we hear oversimplified, pluralistic statements like, All religions are the same, & Many roads lead to God (cf. John 14:6), because people feel they have been burned by church, religion, and God. Each person begins to do what is right based on their perspectives, experiences, and feelings, and not on truth.

Bell also discusses the significance of John numbering the miracles in his gospel. Jesus' resurrection was the 8th miracle. 8 represents "newness"--a new creation, free from death.

Bell also answers his own speculation from chapter one concerning having a relationship with God.

(Clearing throat noise) We can have a relationship with God.

However, Bell's premise is to argue that many people limit this relationship to seem almost like an acquantanceship. It is so much bigger than acquaintanceship. I don't simply "like" God on Facebook; I enter into an eternal, redeemed, walk with God symbolizing the liberation of everyone from sin and death! It is a huge reality! We don't take on a country club mentality, but a mentality to invite everyone in! It reminds me of the Parable of the Wedding Banquet.

Creation will be restored to the garden.

Life as a Christian is not about escaping death, but living life to the full.

It's not about avoiding sin, but embracing a righteous standard designed to breathe vitality and passion and selflessness!

Love Wins!