From Grace to Glory: The Journey of Salvation

The core doctrine of Christianity is Salvation. Think of salvation not just as a finish line you cross once, but as this incredible, lifelong adventure. It's not just about what God did for us, but what He's doing right now, and what He will do down the road. It covers everything. This journey encompasses the past, present, and future of an individual. The breadth and depth of God's work of redemption in a believer's life are demonstrated by this threefold salvation: justification in the past, sanctification in the present, and glorification in the future.

Past: Justification – Saved from the Penalty of Sin: When a person puts their faith in Christ or welcomes Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they are justified; declared righteous in the eyes of God. This is a completed act. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” We were spiritually dead in our sins, but the compassionate God who cares for us made us alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:4–5). This justification, which includes the forgiveness of sins, is accomplished through the blood of Jesus (Romans 5:1, Colossians 1:14). Furthermore, those who place their faith in Him are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God, which also enables us to inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Paul speaks of our adoption into God’s family in Galatians 4:6–7, emphasizing that we are no longer in bondage but are now sons and heirs. The past event of salvation establishes our relationship with God, grants us peace (Romans 5:1), and guarantees that we are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1).     

Present: Sanctification – Being Saved from the Power of Sin: Though saved, believers are still being sanctified; transformed into the image of Christ. This is the continual work of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:33–34, Paul declares that no one can accuse or condemn those whom God has chosen or elected, because their salvation is secured by God Himself. God, as the ultimate Judge, has already declared believers righteous because of their faith in Jesus Christ and no one can change His decision. Furthermore, no one can condemn them, because Jesus has already taken the full punishment for their sins by dying on the cross. He died, rose again victoriously, and now reigns with complete authority in heaven and on earth. Even now, He actively intercedes for believers. Therefore, Christians have the full assurance that they are completely safeguarded from condemnation, since their salvation is grounded in both the completed and ongoing work of Christ.

When the Holy Spirit takes the lead in our lives (Galatians 3:5), it is amazing how He empowers us to live a life that's truly holy and aligned with God's will. Our old way of life has completely faded away, and our new, real life is now completely safe and secure, hidden away with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). This transformation is not an overnight event; it's a continuous journey. It involves learning to love others deeply (1 Peter 4:8), growing in integrity, and becoming more spiritually mature day by day. As we go through this process of sanctification, we naturally start to reflect Jesus more clearly in everything we do, living out the incredible grace that was given to us (Ephesians 1:7). A believer is free to grow under God's grace and enjoys abundant life (John 10:10). Sanctification is also an expression of God's intimate training to prepare us for eternal glory and His fatherly discipline (Hebrews 12:6–7).

Future: Glorification – Will Be Saved from the Presence of Sin: You know that feeling of eagerly waiting for something amazing? Our final salvation is yet to come; glorification. This is when our mortal bodies will be transformed, and we will be entirely free from sin. Romans 8:23 speaks of the “redemption of our body,” and 1 Corinthians 15:52 reveals that in a moment, we shall be changed and glorified. 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 promises that God will sanctify us completely, spirit, soul, and body. Philippians 3:21 speaks of Christ transforming our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. This is the blessed hope we await (Titus 2:13). 1 John 3:2 assures us: “when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” Hebrews 11:40 reminds us that God has something better in store; our glorification will be shared in full with the saints of all ages. It's a shared, magnificent future!

Assurance of Salvation: God’s Word gives deep and steady assurance to everyone who puts their trust in Him. Hebrews 7:25 reminds us that Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him. There is no limit to His saving power. There's this amazing sense of security we get from verses like 1 John 1:7, John 10:28, and Romans 8:35. They basically tell us that God's love in Christ is like an unbreakable bond – nothing in the world can ever take us out of it. He assures us He will always be by our side, and His love for us is genuinely unchanging, forever and always.

Backsliding is sin, but the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. God, who is all-merciful, is able to save us completely if we surrender ourselves. As John 13:1 says, He loves us to the end. He has sanctified us by offering His body once for all time (Hebrews 10:10). The eternal life that Christ grants cannot be taken away. It seems as though an amazing chain of grace; God's grand plan for each of us; is perfectly coming to pass. First, in His infinite wisdom, He knew us and chose us. Then, He extended a personal invitation, gently drawing us to Himself. And when we said "yes," He instantly declared us righteous in His sight; it's like getting a clean slate, a fresh start. And He's not stopping there; He promises to carry us through every step, all the way into His magnificent, perfect glory. It's His complete work in us, from start to finish; entirely by Him, entirely for us (Romans 8:27-30).

Let's wholeheartedly trust and pray to the One who can absolutely keep us from stumbling. He's the one who will joyfully bring us into His glorious presence, completely faultless. To God our Savior, who alone possesses all wisdom, belongs all glory, majesty, power, and authority, now and forevermore.

Amen.

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