The Nature of Salvation

It is important to understand the nature of salvation. Some think that the Gospel, salvation, and eternal life are just about being “born again” (Joh 3:3–8; 1Pe 1:3, 23). But being born again is only the first (but by far the most important) step on the path to eternal life. Said differently, being born again is necessary but not sufficient for eternal (final) salvation.

SALVATION IS A PROCESS, NOT AN EVENT

Salvation doesn’t occur in an instant, nor is it a one-time event or prayer and then it’s all done and over with. It is a continually progressive process called “sanctification”[1] (Rom 6:19, 22; 1Co 1:30; 1Th 4:3–7; 2Th 2:13; Heb 12:14; cf. 1Co 1:2; 6:11; Heb 2:11; 10:10–14, 29; Joh 17:19; Act 20:32; 26:18; 2Ti 2:21) that starts when you are “born again” (which is initial salvation, “forgiveness of sins”) and continues throughout your life as you walk with the Lord. It is not completed until you receive your “crown of life” (Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10; cf. 2Ti 4:8; 1Pe 5:4; 1Th 2:19; Rev 3:11), which is awarded to you by Jesus on “the day of judgment.” Salvation, therefore, means all of these:

• You have been saved (born again, sins forgiven),
• You are being saved (living, walking, and abiding in Christ), and
• You will be saved (future, final, heavenly, eternal life).

Wayne Jackson writes on how the words saved and salvation are used in Scripture:[2], ^[3]

The verb “saved” is a perfect tense, suggesting the idea of a past act that results in a present state. Salvation from past sins occurs at the point of one’s conversion [being born again], and that state abides as long as the child of God walks “in the light” (1 Jn. 1:7 [ASV]).

And further on the nature of salvation:[4]

When many people hear the term “salvation,” they immediately think of something that occurred in their past. Many Protestants believe that salvation was received the instant they expressed a genuine faith in Christ as their personal Savior, and that it never can be forfeited. As we shall notice, these ideas are not accurate. Let us consider several passages that speak of salvation—from varying “time” vantage points.

Future Salvation

In the Great Commission, according to Mark’s record, Jesus said: “He who believes and is immersed shall be saved …” (Mark 16:16 [TLV]). This passage speaks of the sinner who has never known Christ, but who learns of the Lord, believes his gospel, and, based upon penitent faith, is immersed in water. What is the result? He “shall be saved.” The verb is a future tense form, the salvation being contingent upon the obedience specified. It is regrettable that so many repudiate this very clear declaration. First, the text negates the false notion of “universalism,” i.e., the idea that all people will be saved ultimately. Second, it refutes the Calvinistic theory that “election” is “unconditional.” Third, as noted already, it contradicts the erroneous idea that salvation is by “faith alone”; rather, “works” [obedience] also are involved in salvation (see Jas. 2:24). [Note: J.H. Thayer described the “works” in Jas. 2 as having to do with “the conduct of men, measured by the standard of religion and righteousness” (Clark, p. 248). [5]]

Past Salvation

Writing from a different time perspective, Paul reminded Tit. that as a result of his kindness and mercy, God “saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Tit. 3:4–5 [ASV]). The verb here is a past tense form. It refers back to the salvation received when one submitted to the “washing” (baptism—cf. Acts 22:16) of “regeneration” (the new birth—John 3:3–5). This was a result of the “renewing” instruction of the Holy Spirit, operating through the gospel message (Ephesians 6:17). At the point of our baptism, all our past sins were pardoned forever.

Present Salvation

Contrary to the belief of many, the salvation process does not end with our conversion to Christ. One’s redemption is not a “done deal” that never can be forfeited. That is the dogma of Calvin, not Christ. In a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul wrote: “Now I make known unto you [brothers], the gospel which I preached unto you … by which also [you] are saved” (1 Corinthians 15:1–2 [ASV]). The Greek verb rendered “are saved” is a present tense form; literally, “are being saved” (see also [1Co] 1:18, ASV footnote.). Salvation is a continuous process as we faithfully live the Christian life.

Future Final

Paul once stated that: “our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11 [NKJV]). Later, he would tell Timothy, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18 [ASV]). The apostle Peter would speak of Christians “receiving the end [goal] of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:9 [ASV]).

We don’t (and can’t) reach a state of perfect salvation while still in our earthly, fleshly bodies (Rom 7:18, 23–24; 8:23; Mat 26:41; Mar 14:38; 2Co 5:1–4; 1Co 15:50–55; 1Jn 3:2; Eph 1:13–14). Wayne Jackson again writes:[6]

We are in the kingdom now (Col. 1:13), but there is a more glorious phase to yet be entered (2 Pet. 1:11). We enjoy salvation presently (Mk. 16:16), but there is a greater dimension, a heavenly salvation, to be received at death (2 Tim. 4:18). There is a sense in which we are with Christ now (Mt 18:20; 26:29; 28:20), but there is a more exalted state in which we will be with Him ultimately (Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:8).

CHRISTIANITY IS A WAY OF LIFE UNTIL DEATH

So, now having a better understanding of the nature of salvation, we look forward to eternal (final) salvation and receiving our “crown of righteousness” (2Ti 4:7–8; cf. 1Pe 5:4; Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10; 3:11) from Jesus on “the day of judgment” (“the last day”),[7] as we press forward in our faith each day, being mindful that the life of a Christian involves all of the following:

• Continued faithfulness—persevering in faith (remaining faithful), standing firm in the faith, and enduring to the end,[8]
• Continued repentance—avoidance of deliberate, willful, and repeated sin,[9]
• Continued obedience—consistently obeying the Word of God generally and the commandments of Christ and the instructions of His apostles specifically,[10]
• Continued humility—in all things at all times (Mat 20:28; 23:12; Mar 10:45; Luk 14:7–14; 18:9–14; Joh 6:38; 13:3–5; Php 2:5–9; Jas 4:10; 1Pe 5:5–6),[11]
• Continual service—manifested in our “good works” for the Lord (and others) as we “bear fruit,”[12]
• Continual maturation—“growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” each day,[13]
• Continual reading of the Word—daily studying, meditating on, and praying over Scripture to feed our born-again spirit,[14]
• Continual prayer—constantly, earnestly, and fervently, like Jesus, the apostles, and the early church (Act 1:14; 2:42; 12:5),[15]
• Continual worship—with a thankful, glad, and contrite heart,[16] and
• Continual “praise,” “gratitude,” and “thanksgiving”—for all that He has done for us, for His amazing love, mercy, and grace, and for the gift of eternal life.[17]

Let us, therefore, continue along “the Highway of Holiness” (Isa 35:8) on the path to “eternal life,” realizing that only by “walk[ing] by the Spirit” and “abiding in Me [Jesus] and I [Jesus] in you”[18] can we be obedient children of God, “stand firm in the faith” (1Co 16:13), and “always abound in the work of the Lord” (see 1Co 15:58; cf. Gal 6:9). The next few chapters will explain how the various aspects and tools of Christian life and faith are all interrelated (living in the Spirit, obedience, works [“bear fruit”], perseverance, prayer, “the armor of God,” “the wisdom of God”) and how they work together to complete salvation for the Christian by “teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man [you] complete in Christ” (Col 1:28). You will need to utilize all of those tools to “hold fast,” “endure to the end,”[19] and ensure that your name stays written in “the book of life” (Php 4:3; Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12–15; cf. Psa 69:28).

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Php 3:12–14

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. – 2Ti 4:7–8

[1] Sanctified means to be “set apart” (Act 13:2; Rom 1:1) for the Lord and to be made to conform more and more to the image of Christ. God is “at work in you” (Php 2:13) and will be for the rest of your life.

[2] Wayne Jackson, “Does the Grace in Ephesians 2:8–9 Exclude Baptism?” Christian Courier, https://christiancourier.com/articles/does-the-grace-in-ephesians-2-8-9-exclude-baptism.

[3] You will hear many say they are “saved.” However, recognize that people mean different things when they say that. Some mean that they said a “sinner’s prayer” once and believed they were saved “by faith alone” all the way to eternal life, regardless of how they lived the rest of their lives (in obedience to Christ or not). Both of those are false teachings. See the chapter “Beware the Wolves.”

[4] Wayne Jackson, “The Word-tenses of Salvation,” Christian Courier, https://christiancourier.com/articles/the-word-tenses-of-salvation.

[5] J. J. Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Edinburgh: T.&T. Clark, 1958).

[6] Wayne Jackson, “What Is the Morning Star of Revelation 2:28?” Christian Courier, https://christiancourier.com/articles/what-is-the-morning-star-of-revelation-2-28.

[7] See the chapter “The Day of Judgment.”

[8] See the chapter “Persevere in Faith.”

[9] This topic is covered much more extensively in the chapter “Changing Your Worldly Habits.”

[10] See the chapter “Understanding Obedience.”

[11] Pride can still be a formidable enemy, even for the born-again Christian (Mat 18:4; Luk 9:48; 18:14; Rom 12:3; Jas 4:6–10; 1Pe 5:5-6)! See the chapter “Living in the Spirit.”

[12] See the chapter “The Role of Works.”

[13] See the chapter “Press on to Maturity.”

[14] See the chapter “Reading and Studying the Bible.”

[15] See the chapter “Understanding Prayer.”

[16] See the chapter “Finding a Church” for verse references.

[17] See “A Christian Is Always Thankful” in the chapter “Living in the Spirit” for verse references.

[18] See the chapter “Living in the Spirit” for verse references.

[19] See the chapter “Persevere in Faith” for verse references.