Eight Gears of Salvation 8-24-08
I still remember my first multi-geared bicycle. It was a glittering silver Schwinn 10-speed with red lettering and pinstripes; I was so excited that not only did I get the bike, but I also got a handlebar-attached satchel bag, a seat-mounted storage bag, and a protective helmet (which was quickly abandoned – it was 1983 and nobody took those seriously). I remember learning about how changing the gears changed how hard you had to pedal. I also remember learning that the chain jumped off of the gears when the changing was done improperly.
Our spiritual lives can be looked at like a long ride on an eight-speed bicycle. Each of the eight gears is a representation of a Christian quality, as listed by the Apostle Peter.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. (2 Peter 1:3-9 NIV)
Imagine a new Christian starting out on the road of his new spiritual life. He starts pedaling in first gear, because it is the easiest to pedal and thus he can keep his balance as he begins to pick up speed. But can he go very far? No, because he has to pedal at an exhausting rate just to keep enough speed to stay balanced. If he does not shift gears soon, he will grow very tired and may even quit. This first gear is FAITH. It is very easy to pedal, but it does not allow you to build up any amount of spiritual momentum. But it is perfect at getting you moving, and allowing you to get started on your spiritual journey. But that second gear of GOODNESS has to be engaged quickly, in order to build on what faith has allowed you to do.
This process is the same for all of the gears: they can only help you grow so much, and then you need to add the next gear. But it is not just about going to a higher gear; sometimes you have to downshift to make the pedaling easier. When the new Christian is riding along, pedaling in third or fourth gear (KNOWLEDGE or SELF-CONTROL) and he encounters a hill of adversity or temptation, knowledge or self-control may not be enough to carry him over; indeed, he may still be immature with those qualities and unable to fully utilize them to push over the hill. It is then that he needs to downshift and rely on the easier pedaling of goodness and faith. Then, after the hill, he can with confidence shift back to the higher gears and continue his journey.
Remember that the whole purpose of these qualities (gears) is to give us a venue through which we can participate in the “divine nature” and “escape corruption”. We are also told that if we possess them, we will be effective and productive. But in this process, you have to remember two very important things: to reduce drag, bow down to the one you are following, and you have to keep pedaling or you will fall.
-Charles Peterson