SIGNS OF THE KINGDOM

The evangelical church historically has been woefully inadequate in the cause of social justice. We have believed that the greater work is the work of "saving souls". And in its pursuit we have idly watched bodies waste away in preventable hunger, all the while being very pleased with ourselves and our radical commitment to personal piety. We have had trouble understanding the place of feeding the hungry or fighting urban poverty because we have believed that this physical existence will, after all, be burned in the final judgment. "What good is it to save ones life and yet forfeit the soul?" we ask.

The liberal church reacted against this and gave up on the salvation of souls altogether. Social justice became the end all. And in some circles it was identified completely with redemption itself.

But, when we look at the healing ministry of Christ, we see neither of these and both of these at the same time. Jesus didn't heal the sick merely for healing's sake (like the liberals); nor did he heal the sick merely to get people to listen to his message (like the evangelicals). Rather, his healings themselves were signs of the inaugurated kingdom. Not merely miracles for making the world a better place, nor wonders to draw a listening crowd, but signs. Signs that pointed to something else. Signs that announced that a new reality had been ushered in. Signs that heralded that heaven had begun its descent onto earth.

And so it is with the church today. Acts of social justice, hands of healing, deeds of mercy. These are not done merely for their own sake. Nor are they done in order to create a platform for preaching. Rather, when the church engages the world and seeks its renewal, it performs signs. Signs that the Kingdom of God has come in the person of Christ. Acts of justice are sacramental parables of the gospel of grace lived out in the lives of those who belong to Christ.