Source: “Salvation Not Purchased: Overcoming the Ransom Idea to Rediscover the Original Gospel Teaching”, By Stephen Finlan, 2020.
This podcast proposes a re-evaluation of Christology, arguing that its primary foundation should be Jesus' divinity and his role as creator, rather than his death as a substitute for sin. It emphasizes that Jesus' identity as co-creator of "all things" and "the worlds" is a core teaching found across the New Testament. The author suggests that this "Creator Christology" offers a richer understanding of Jesus' saving power, viewing it as inherent to his nature, much like a loving parent's care. Furthermore, the text asserts that this understanding of Christology is compatible with scientific concepts like evolution, which can be seen as "slow creation" orchestrated by Jesus, and that this divine creativity extends to human transformation and spiritual growth, a process referred to as theōsis. Ultimately, the text highlights that Jesus, as the life-giver and healer, continually works towards the full manifestation of God's will on Earth and in the afterlife, fostering our spiritual development towards his image.
Topic 1 The central argument is a re-foundation of Christology, shifting its primary basis from the idea of Jesus' death as a purchase of salvation for sinful mankind to his inherent divinity and pivotal role in creation. This perspective advocates for a return to the foundational understanding prevalent among the early Greek Fathers, who recognized Jesus as the creator. Instead of focusing on an interpretation of violence done to Jesus, which is seen as allowing murderers to dictate the agenda, Christology should be anchored in who Jesus is: the creator or co-creator of the earth and all things. This intrinsic creative power is presented as a far more legitimate and morally mature basis for understanding his significance.
Topic 2 A significant and often-neglected teaching highlighted is Jesus' role as the creator or co-creator of all things. This concept is supported by specific passages from four distinct parts of the New Testament: the Gospels, Pauline letters, Deutero-Pauline letters, and Catholic Epistles. For instance, the Gospel of John describes the "Word" (Jesus) as the agent through whom all things came into being. Hebrews similarly states that God created the "worlds" or "eons" through Jesus. Colossians explicitly states that "all things in heaven and on earth were created in him," including visible and invisible entities like thrones, dominions, rulers, and powers, with specific emphasis that the human race is included in "all things." First Corinthians also speaks of "all things" existing "through" Jesus, emphasizing his partnership with God while maintaining monotheism. The repetition of prepositions like "through" and "in" consistently links Jesus to the act of creation.
Topic 3 The concept of Jesus' dual nature and the significance of his incarnation are thoroughly explored. Jesus is presented as both the Son of God, the divine creator, and the Son of Man, a human being. The profound act of his incarnation involved the creator humbling himself to share fully in the human experience, including suffering. This suffering was not limited to the crucifixion but encompassed his entire life, including the incomprehension he faced from his own family, the intellectual slowness of his disciples, and the hardened hearts of religious leaders. His dual nature serves a crucial revelatory purpose: as Son of God, he unveils the very nature of God; as Son of Man, he demonstrates the potential of humanity; and through both, he powerfully reveals God's deep compassion for human beings.
Topic 4 A key insight is the inherent compatibility between Creator Christology and scientific understanding, particularly evolution. The text explicitly states that there is no necessary contradiction between the biblical idea of a creator and the scientific concept of evolution. Instead, evolution is seen as adding a cosmic dimension to Christology. Jesus, as the creative power, is understood to have initiated cosmic processes, designed biological life, and set evolution in motion. Evolution is thus reinterpreted not as an opposing force to creation, but as a form of "slow creation" or divine creativity unfolding over vast epochs. This integration of scientific thought deepens the understanding of existing theological questions, such as the presence of suffering, delays, and imperfections in the world, providing a partial answer to these enduring problems.
Topic 5 The vision of spiritual transformation, referred to as "theōsis," is presented as the ultimate goal of human existence. Theōsis is defined as Godward growth, a journey towards everlasting life, and a process of profound transformation. While acknowledged as a somewhat neglected theme in Western Christianity, its rediscovery is highlighted. This transformation involves believers being gradually conformed to the image of Jesus, with his character serving not only as a guide for spiritual development but as the concrete objective of growth. It is a continuous process of becoming more like him, reaching a state of "glory" that reflects God's justification and sanctification of believers.
Topic 6 Salvation is re-framed as an act of loving parental care and a journey of spiritual growth, moving away from interpretations that emphasize it as an arbitrary or transactional event involving a sacrifice. Jesus is depicted as a loving spiritual parent who is eager to help and nurture, just as a human parent cares for a child. Salvation is understood as a process of receiving life and healing, much like a person receiving healing from Jesus during his earthly ministry. This involves accepting new life, a new level of existence, and a spiritual reorientation – being "born from above" or "born again" – transitioning from a purely physical existence to a spiritual one. It implies a "new creation" for anyone who is in Christ, undergoing a renewal of the mind to discern God's will. This perspective emphasizes that everyone is offered a fair chance at eternal life, welcomed by Jesus without being turned away, underscoring the compassionate and inclusive nature of this parental love.
Topic 7 Jesus' power to heal is presented as a direct and logical extension of his power as creator. The capacity to create life inherently implies the capacity to repair it. Healings performed by Jesus are seen not as bizarre miracles, but as the natural and compassionate response of a divine parent to the need of a child. Faith plays a crucial role in opening a connection to this creative and healing power, enabling individuals to receive both physical healing and spiritual salvation. Jesus' interactions with those seeking help, such as asking "What do you want me to do for you?" and affirming "your faith has saved you," illustrate that an honest recognition of one's need is a prerequisite for receiving his aid, differentiating those who perceive themselves as "sick" and in need from the self-righteous.
Topic 8 A distinction is made between the instantaneous healings that often occurred in Jesus' physical presence on Earth and the more gradual process of healing and spiritual growth typically experienced in the present time. While Jesus could provide immediate and thorough responses, the current reality involves a "time delay" for most. This gradualness is not a deficiency but is presented as a potential blessing, allowing individuals to observe and understand the unfolding work of God's creative influence on their spiritual and psychological well-being. Although some healing may occur in this life, the complete restoration, including the drying of every tear and the repair of all damage, is largely anticipated in the afterlife, where spiritual bodies will be received. This slow process is seen as the normal pace of growth and recovery, including psychological healing from shame and fear, leading to wholeness and restored self-respect, which is considered a greater miracle than any physical healing.
Topic 9 The human race itself is described as a "long project" undertaken by Jesus, implying an ongoing, evolving divine purpose. The imperfections of the world and the evil within humanity do not negate the reality of a perfect and complete God existing in eternity. Instead, these imperfections suggest that "God-in-time" is an "unfinished project." This perspective offers a framework for understanding why divine purposes might take extended periods, like the epochs of evolution, to develop and mature. The ultimate prophetic vision is that a day will come when the mentality and spirituality of Christ will fully permeate humanity, conquering sin and violence, and bringing God's will into manifestation. This is linked to ancient Jewish hopes and Jesus' own ministry, signifying a future where righteousness and praise will spring forth globally, and the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth.
Topic 10 Spiritual growth is presented not as a demand for instantaneous perfection but as a continuous, lifelong process of "perfecting." The command "Be perfect" is interpreted as an imperative for ongoing growth, acknowledging that falling short is to be expected. The goal is to remain open to transformative change and allow God to work on oneself. This journey of growth is framed as a purpose, a promise, and a delight, rather than an impossible standard that leads to guilt. The text emphasizes that reaching a final, absolute perfection is neither expected nor desired, suggesting that the possibilities for spiritual development are limitless and continue indefinitely. It contrasts this understanding with religious fear and shame, which are seen as having distorted Jesus' message, leading to misleading mythologies, and reaffirms that salvation is found in the person of Jesus as the resurrection and the life.