Senator "Reverend" Warnock Doesn't Get Christianity

“Pro-choice Pastor” Senator Raphael Warnock was heavily criticized yesterday for tweeting what religious leaders referred to as blasphemy on Resurrection Sunday.

“The meaning of Easter is more transcendent than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether you are Christian or not, through a commitment to helping others we are able to save ourselves.”

The idea that anything is “more transcendent than the resurrection” struck a nerve with Christians since that was the entire point of Jesus Christ dwelling on this earth for 33 years. It was foretold throughout the old testament. He came to fulfill the prophecy and be the lamb that was slain, so we could be saved from our sins. Jesus didn’t leave heaven and suffer with us (his words, not mine) just so he could teach us to be nice to one another. God could have used someone else for that. Jesus ministered for 3 years with a specific focus: to preach the kingdom of heaven, to die on the cross so we could be saved, and to raise disciples to carry on the work (and do even greater works).

But Warnock’s misunderstanding of the importance of the cross is only part of the problem. The idea of “saving ourselves” regardless of our faith through works is not accurate. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” (John 14:6). If you profess to be a Christian, especially a reverend like Senator Warnock, it’s not up for debate. That’s the tenant of our faith. We’re also saved by faith, not by any work that we do (Ephesians 2:8). Yes, good works are expected and required in Christianity, but our actions and good deeds reflect our relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said, if you love me, keep my commandments. If we’re his followers, we have to deny ourselves and take up our cross. Anyone is capable of doing good works, but there’s no salvation without Jesus Christ.

Some defenders of Warnock say he didn’t mean to imply we can grant ourselves salvation. We “save ourselves” by doing good for each other and uplifting our society. I can respect that, but I also ask how we ultimately save ourselves, and from what? Jesus also said, “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it,” (Luke 17:33). Ministers should be pointing people toward Jesus because being “born again” is the only way to receive salvation. All things will pass away, and only what you do for Christ will last.

The woke brand of Christianity has a focus on systems and government. Jesus is a mascot pointed to for convenience rather than being a savior and Lord. “Jesus said to take care of your neighbor, so let’s raise the minimum wage and destroy private healthcare!” They try to make government expansion seem kind and moral while ignoring issues like abortion, covetousness, and sexual immorality—things that are actually sinful.

Warnock is a Senator and represents constituents who are not Christians, so I can understand wanting to make a universal appeal. However, it’s Easter. Instead of butchering the meaning of the most important Christian holiday, he could have waited until Monday to spew his politics.

At least Senator Warnock had enough sense to delete the tweet after being savaged online, but the internet is forever.