The Gift of Salvation
We are saved one time, but salvation is an ongoing process in our lives. Every single day we have to make the decision to believe and to live in that belief. Believe in Him - Is literally "continually believing into Him" – Saving faith is not a one-time event, it is a lifelong confession. We begin our new life in Christ by faith and we continue in faith – every day.
We have a God who is perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, measureless in power. He is the One God and Father above all, and He has given us so many good and perfect gifts. The greatest gift of all that He has given us is the gift of Salvation –and this gift begins and ends with His purpose of grace. Grace is His unmerited favor towards us, meaning, we don’t deserve the goodness, love, mercy, and salvation He gives. We could never earn it, yet He gives it freely to all who accept it and make Him the Lord of their life. Along with salvation we get some other special gifts. Salvation includes God’s work of regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.
Regeneration - Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
- The new birth is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. We are completely regenerated into new creatures, whole and clean before Him.
- It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Justification - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. Romans 5:8-9
- This is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ.
- Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.
Sanctification - For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
- Progressive Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him.
- Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life. Christians should develop in their faith and be committed to a life of personal devotion to God.
Glorification - And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:17
- Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
- He regenerates, sanctifies and comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God though His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption.
Obedience and works are not what earns us God’s love or mercy or salvation. Obedience and works may be the result of our salvation as we lead a life devoted to Him. As you go through the day today remember what He has done for you and all that means for your life.
Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him;
1 Corinthians 8:6a
