Good quote
In reading for one of my classes, I came across a good quote, by John N. Oswalt on page 33 of his book Called to be Holy.
The goal of salvation is not that people should be free of physical and spiritual bondage in order to live as they choose. The goal of salvation is fellowship with God within the parameters of his character and nature. This has been God's goal since the tragedy of Genesis 3 and it remains to in the Christian era. The thought that the primary purpose of the Cross is forgiveness is misguided at best.
This of course, is not to say that forgiveness was not part of the purpose of the crucifixion and resurrection. However, far too often, and especially in American/Western culture, we take for granted the forgiveness, and think that holiness makes no demands on the part of our own lives. Definitely food for thought.