Are Salvation and Service Two Sides of the Same Coin?

In his new book,Missional Communities, Reggie McNeal asserts that “personal salvation is critical, but so too are issues of social justice and mercy.” He refers to salvation and service as two sides of the same coin saying, “One cannot be complete without the other.”

Would you agree?

We can certainly understand the limitations that overemphasis on one or the other can cause. A single focus on salvation only can lead to shallow converts that can recite the 4 laws of the Gospel but can’t relate it to everyday life. They lack any sense of discipleship. Worse yet, it can work against evangelism if potential Christ-followers get turned off by feeling like they’re just another notch in someone’s spiritual belt. On the other hand, an emphasis on service alone can create a shallow experience that’s focused on human efforts.

The separation of personal salvation and social service happened throughout the early part of the 20th century. The early churches in America were known for their attention to social concerns starting schools, homes and missions focused primarily on the disenfranchised. Then came what historian Timothy L. Smith noted as “The Great Reversal”. The social gospel became associated with liberal theologies and more fundamental churches, not wanting to be linked to liberal churches, moved away from social action. The thinking in more fundamental churches became more individualistic believing that social reform began with the individual, not society.

But there are signs that the Great Reversal being reversed. It seems that in many churches personal evangelism and social concern/action are again becoming intertwined. Maybe even a realizing that the two go hand in hand. Reggie goes on to say:

“Redemption is a message that must be delivered by us on our knees holding a towel and basin.”

When it comes to salvation and service, can you have one without the other?