DEI
When we ponder eternal salvation we must acknowledge that we didn’t earn it.
It is exceptionally important to contrast the profound difference between human-centered and Christ-centered perspectives, to fully understand the biblical teaching of salvation by faith alone. To that end, let’s explore a structured contrast between the secular worldview and the Christian worldview regarding human condition, purpose, and salvation, with an emphasis on the reality that all who are born again into a relationship with God “didn’t earn it.” This is to underscore the biblical teaching of salvation by faith alone through Christ’s exclusive work on the Cross.
Human Condition
Secular Worldview:
The secular worldview often sees humanity as inherently neutral or good, shaped primarily by environment, education, and personal choices. Sin, if acknowledged, is reduced to moral failings or societal constructs rather than an offense against a holy God. People are viewed as capable of self-improvement through effort, reason, or societal progress. The condition of humanity is not seen as fundamentally broken in a spiritual sense, and any flaws can be addressed through human means such as therapy, education, or legislation.
Christian Worldview:
The Christian worldview, rooted in the Bible, teaches that humanity is fallen and inherently sinful due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Our hearts are “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9), and every person is born with a sin nature that separates them from God (Romans 3:23). No amount of good works can bridge this gap because even our best efforts are tainted by selfish motives. We didn’t earn it —salvation cannot come from within us because we are spiritually dead apart from Christ (Ephesians 2:1).
Purpose
Secular Worldview:
In a secular framework, purpose is subjective and self-defined. Individuals create their own meaning through relationships, career, personal fulfillment, or contributions to society. There is no ultimate, transcendent purpose beyond what people assign to their lives. This can lead to a sense of freedom but also existential uncertainty, as purpose is contingent on personal feelings or circumstances, which are fleeting.
Christian Worldview:
The Christian worldview asserts that our purpose is objective and God-given: to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him forever (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31). This purpose is eternal and unchanging, rooted in our identity as beings created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). However, sin distorts this purpose, and we cannot fulfill it on our own. We didn’t earn it —Christ’s death on the Cross as both 100% God and 100% sinless man restores our ability to live out this purpose by reconciling us to God (Colossians 1:20-22). Through faith in Him, we are adopted as children of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live for His glory.
Salvation
Secular Worldview:
Salvation, as a spiritual concept, is largely absent in the secular worldview. Instead, the focus is on self-actualization or societal improvement. If “salvation” exists, it might be framed as liberation from ignorance, poverty, or oppression through human effort, science, or social reform. The idea of needing a savior is often rejected, as humanity is seen as capable of solving its own problems. Any notion of forgiveness or redemption is human-centered, not divine.
Christian Worldview:
The Bible teaches that salvation is entirely dependent on Christ’s substitutionary atonement on the Cross. As 100% God and 100% sinless man, Jesus took upon Himself the full wrath of God that we deserved for our sins (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Our sins are so numerous and our hearts so corrupt that no good work could ever atone for even one transgression (Romans 3:10-12). We didn’t earn it —salvation is a free gift, received by repenting of our sins (turning away from them) and trusting in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This exclusive work of Jesus sets us right with our Father in Heaven, granting forgiveness and eternal life (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). No human effort can contribute to this; it rests solely on Christ’s finished work.
Key Distinctions and Conclusion
The secular worldview places confidence in human potential, suggesting we can define our purpose and improve our condition through effort. In contrast, the Christian worldview acknowledges our utter inability to save ourselves due to our sinful nature. We didn’t earn it —salvation comes only through Christ’s sacrifice, where He bore the punishment we deserved as a substitute. The secular view offers no ultimate hope beyond this life, while the Christian view provides eternal hope through faith in Jesus, who alone bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
By repenting and accepting this costly yet free gift, we are forgiven, restored, and given a purpose that transcends this world. The Christian worldview rests on the truth that we didn’t earn it —restoration is by grace through faith in Christ’s exclusive work on the Cross, not by any merit of our own.
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