At small group a few weeks ago we talked about something called the Social Gospel. This is basically taking the Bible and using it as a means for social justice. From what I understand, people who follow this focus solely on fixing social justice and ignore eternity thinking that if they can fix someones position in life here and now then that is all that matters.
To be blatantly honest, this is wrong. This is not Biblical. This is bad theology. Granted, social justice is a natural byproduct of true Christians, but it is not the aim of Jesus nor should it be our only goal. I think it is a valid thing to strive for but is of secondary importance.
Jesus did not come to Earth and perform miracles just to improve people's social position. Yes, healing a leper or demon possessed person automatically elevates them out of being an outcast. And healing the blind, paralytic, or lame automatically makes their lives better since they no longer have to beg. But that is not why Jesus would heal them. It was because they believed.
Jesus healed people not because of their social status and how He could affect that. He did not do it just so they could have a more comfortable life. He did it because they believed in Him (that He could in fact heal them) and because it brought God glory. And it was very often coupled with the forgiveness of sins.
Just a few examples of this are: Matthew 9:1-7, 27-29, Luke 18:35-43. But look at any passage where Jesus heals someone and you will find a common theme of being for God's glory, not their comfort here on Earth.
What is of first importance is the person's soul and where they will spend eternity. No matter what our station in life is, we can bring glory to God. But if we are not saved by the blood of Jesus then regardless of how good our life on Earth is, we will spend eternity in misery separated from God.
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