Salvation: Past, Present and Future, Part 1 | Religion

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The Bible teaches that we have been saved (Ephesians 2:8, 9), that we are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18) and that we will be saved (Romans 5:9). At first glance, this seems confusing and contradictory, but it is understandable.

We are fully and permanently saved when we believe the true gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). We must believe in our hearts and proclaim the truth that Yeshua (Jesus) died for our sins, was buried, and then rose again (Romans 10:9-13). Our behavior in response to the gospel testifies to the authenticity of our belief.

The apostles Paul (1 Corinthians 15:2) and John (1 John 2:19) both addressed the issue of people who first “believed” but then turned away. Have they “lost” their salvation? No. Their actions showed that they did not really believe the gospel. They may have had an initial emotional reaction upon hearing the gospel, but it never took root in their hearts. Yeshua also addressed this issue in the parable of the four grounds (Matthew 13:1-23).

Paul categorically teaches that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:4-9). In the original Greek, the grammar indicates that our salvation is complete and that the results of our salvation extend to the present and the future. It’s by grace – we haven’t done anything to deserve God’s goodness and we can’t add anything to our salvation.

If our salvation is complete, how can he say that we are saved and will be saved? Past: we are saved from the penalty of sin. We are justified before God because He gives us the righteousness of Yeshua. Yeshua paid the penalty for our sins. Present: We are saved from the power of sin. Sanctification is the ongoing process of God working within us to obey Him and become more like Yeshua (Philippians 2:13). Our lives are saved from those who are slaves to sin (Romans 6:20-23) and futile (1 Peter 1:18) from those who are abundant (John 10:10).

The future: At the resurrection, we will be saved from the presence of sin. We will be in heaven in our new bodies (2 Corinthians 5:8). Satan and his angels will be in hell (Revelation 10:14-15) and we will live in our resurrected/redeemed bodies which will be freed from the deteriorating effects of sin (1 Corinthians 15:42-49).

Parenting is an example of a process with past, present and future aspects. When your child is conceived and then born, you ARE a parent. It is permanent and complete. But it is also the beginning of a present and continuous process. You learn to parent through all stages of a child’s life – infancy, childhood, adolescence and beyond. Finally, in the future, you will be transformed into a grandparent.

We were completely saved. We are “born again” in the spirit. We are saved. Our lives are saved by sanctification. We will be saved. We will be resurrected and given new eternal bodies free from pain and dysfunction.

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