I mentioned that I am studying Romans and teaching it for our adult Sunday School class. I was reading about Romans 1:16-17, where it says "it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes".
One of the books I'm using is The Finished Work of Christ by Francis Schaeffer. Excellent book! In it he discusses that we tend to think of salvation in terms of being born again: "Hey sister, when did you get saved?" He explains that what we mean is really "when did you get justified?"
Now we're getting into some of those heavier theological terms. Salvation actually describes the whole experience of God's saving work. It speaks of justification, our being made right in God's eyes due to Jesus' sacrifice. It speaks of sanctification, the work of the Holy Spirit to make us righteous and walk with Him in the present life. It speaks of glorification, being raised up with Christ when we go to heaven.
Salvation deals with our past, present, and future. It's not just getting our sins forgiven and punching our heavenly ticket. It's not just doing good things in this life. It is the whole package. When we follow Jesus, he cleanses us, but He also wants us to walk with Him and persevere until we are reunited with Him, whether by passing through to the other side or meeting Him in the air.
Don't sell yourself short by thinking getting "saved" is it. It means so much more.
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I like to think of getting saved in multiple ways--adopted, washed, reborn,sealed, indwelled,inscribed in the Book of Life.
ReplyDeleteIt's never just one distinct thing but this wonderful pile of blessings.
Mir
Hey what a great site keep up the work its excellent.
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