Saved for Restoration: Rethinking the Image of God in Embodied Faith (Image Series)
Voxology
Exploring Vocation and the Concept of Being Saved
This chapter explores the idea of vocation and calling through the lens of faith, showcasing powerful stories of individuals serving others. It also introduces the next episode's theme of rethinking salvation beyond traditional narratives.
How our distorted image-bearing has led to a shallow understanding of salvation—and why recovering a body-centered gospel transforms everything. Mike and Tim take a sweeping journey through Genesis, Romans, and Revelation to reframe what it really means to be "saved." Shifting away from a soul-only rescue plan for the afterlife, they highlight Paul’s central argument: that sin is a symptom, not the root. The true gospel is a call to reclaim our purpose as image-bearers of the Creator—bodily, communally, and holistically. This episode in the Salvation Series continues unpacking the disconnect between misguided missions and the true mission of Jesus, pressing into what it means to be human in the Kingdom of God.
Key Takeaways: • Salvation as Restored Vocation – Moving away from “heaven or hell” narratives, salvation is reframed as the restoration of our Genesis calling to image God in every area of embodied life. • From Idolatry to Worship – Paul’s diagnosis in Romans isn’t just that we sin, but that we’ve exchanged the glory of God for false images, which disrupts everything—especially how we relate to others and to creation. • Sin as Symptom, Not the Disease – Human rebellion flows from forfeiting our image-bearing identity; sin is what happens downstream, not the root condition. • Faith, Bodies, and Real Life – Being “saved” isn’t just about abstract belief or doctrinal agreement—it’s about embodying the values of the Kingdom in your real, physical, daily life. • Questioning Modern Missions – Tim reflects on how mission trips often center the privileged instead of the poor, calling for a reimagined posture of service that reflects true gospel embodiment.
Resources Mentioned: • "Reading Romans Backwards" by Scot McKnight – [Link] • "Resident Aliens" by Stanley Hauerwas & William Willimon – [Link] • "Romans" series by Tim Gombis on the Faith Improvised Podcast – [Link] • Genesis 1–3, Romans 1–12, Revelation 21–22 – YouVersion Bible • Voxology Episodes on Hell and Heaven – Voxology Podcast Archive
Join us as we reconstruct a gospel big enough to include your whole life—and your whole self—in the story of God’s redemption. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow Voxology on social media.
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon
The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio
Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook
Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.
Our Merch Store! ETSY
Learn more about the Voxology Podcast
Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify
Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon
The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio
Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook
Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre
Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
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