METAPHORS OF SIN AND SALVATION:
How do we talk about salvation? How can we talk about the state of our relationship with the God who is beyond our words. We speak of God in metaphors, and metaphors are also helpful in talking about our relationship with God. We begin with the truth that God loves us and wants us to be righteous (in right relationship with God). Not being in a right relationship with God is sin. This sinful state can be described in words of separation, or death and in other terms.
Metaphor Sin Salvation Scripture
Metaphors of Separation:
1. Canyon Separate from God Bridge Romans 5:12
2. Lost Lost Found Luke 15
3. Prison Imprisoned Set Free
4. Wall Bricks Break Down wall
5. Slavery Enslaved Redeemed (bought back) Romans 6:6-/Luke 1
6. War At war with God Reconciled Romans 5:12
7. Alienation Alienated from God Friend of God
8. Family Rebel/Leave Home Return Home Luke 15
Death/Destruction:
9. Storm Storm tossed Peace/Anchor/harbor
10. Hunger Hungry Filled Luke 6:21
11. Health Ill/sick Healed Luke 8:48
12. Thirst Thirsty Living water John 4:10
13. Darkness Dark Light John 8:12
14. Temple Sacrifice Sin demands blood Sacrifice done by Christ
15. Drowning Drowning Life Preserver/saved Psalm 69:13-14
16. Path Path leads to death Path leads to life Proverbs 1:15-16
17. Tree Planted in evil Planted in love Psalm 1, Ephesians 3:17
18. Courtroom Judged guilty Sentence paid by Christ
19. Substitution Owe debt for sin Christ pays debt
20. Circle of life Dead Born Again
Other:
21. Aeronautics Grounded Flying
22. Residence Babylon New Jerusalem Revelation
23. Monarchy I rule my life God rules my life
24. Addictions Idol rules my life God rules my life
25. Sight Blind See
