Journey of Salvation: Embracing God's Transformative Grace
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the faithfulness of God and to reflect deeply on the full journey of salvation—past, present, and future. We began by acknowledging the goodness and presence of God in our lives, recognizing that our church family is a living testimony to His grace. As we worshiped and gave thanks, we were reminded that our generosity and service are not just acts of duty, but expressions of gratitude for all God has done and continues to do among us.
Turning to the Word, we explored the profound truth that salvation is not merely a one-time event, but a lifelong process. Justification, sanctification, and glorification are the three stages of salvation that shape our walk with Christ. Justification is that powerful moment when we are declared righteous by faith, saved from the penalty of sin. But God’s work doesn’t stop there—He leaves us here not just to be saved, but to be continually shaped and transformed.
Sanctification is the ongoing process where we are being saved from the power of sin. It’s not about perfection, but about daily submission to God’s shaping hand. Like a gym membership that gives us access but requires us to show up and train, sanctification calls us to “work out” our salvation, not to earn it, but to express it through the power God provides. This journey involves real struggles—moments when our flesh rises up, when we must say “no” to ourselves and “yes” to the Spirit. It’s in these moments, whether in our homes, at work, or in our community, that the power of the cross continues to work in us, calling us to maturity and deeper Christlikeness.
Finally, we looked forward to the hope of glorification—the future promise that we will be saved from the very presence of sin. This is the completion of our salvation, when we are fully transformed into the image of Christ and enter into eternal fellowship with Him. Our assurance is not based on our performance, but on the finished work of Jesus and the faithfulness of God to complete what He began in us. We closed with an invitation to receive this gift of salvation, to make our calling and election sure, and to walk together as a family, supporting one another until the day we are fully glorified in His presence.
Key Takeaways
- Salvation is a journey, not just a moment. Justification saves us from the penalty of sin, but God’s plan is bigger—He intends to shape us continually through sanctification and ultimately bring us to glorification. This perspective frees us from reducing our faith to a single event and invites us into a lifelong relationship with God, marked by growth and transformation. [44:17]
- Sanctification is the daily process of being saved from the power of sin. It’s not about striving for perfection, but about submitting to God’s ongoing work in our lives. Even when our flesh rises up, the Spirit calls us to maturity, reminding us that the cross is not just a past event but a present power source, enabling us to say “no” to sin and “yes” to God. [51:01]
- God provides both the desire and the discipline to grow. We are called to “work out” our salvation, not to earn it, but to express what God is already doing within us. Our efforts are fueled by His Spirit, who gives us both the will and the strength to pursue holiness, even in the ordinary and challenging moments of life. [54:45]
- Glorification is the future completion of our salvation, when we will be saved from the very presence of sin. This hope is not based on our own merit, but on God’s faithfulness to finish what He started. Our future is secure in Christ, and we can live with confidence, knowing that heaven is not a reward for good behavior, but the destination for those who are in Christ. [01:16:23]
- Assurance of salvation is available now. Like a boarding pass that guarantees our destination before we reach the gate, we can have confidence in our eternal future by receiving and trusting in Jesus. This assurance is not just for the end of life, but shapes how we live today—with hope, purpose, and a commitment to walk together as a family of faith. [01:23:18]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[28:42] - Generosity and Mission
[32:16] - Honoring Our Children and Community
[34:57] - Introduction to Salvation’s Journey
[42:57] - The Three Stages of Salvation
[44:17] - Justification: Saved from the Penalty of Sin
[46:36] - Sanctification: Saved from the Power of Sin
[48:47] - The Ongoing Power of the Cross
[51:01] - The Tension of Yes and No
[54:45] - God’s Work in Our Sanctification
[57:04] - Growth Mindset in Spiritual Life
[58:18] - Access and Growth: The Gym Analogy
[01:07:58] - Glorification: The Future Hope
[01:16:23] - Assurance and Security in Christ
[01:23:18] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:33:28] - Communion and Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Journey of Salvation
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### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
> For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
2. Romans 5:9-10 (ESV)
> Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
3. Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)
> Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:18, how does the message of the cross appear to those who are perishing compared to those who are being saved?
2. In Romans 5:9-10, what does Paul say we have been justified by, and what does he say we will be saved from?
3. What does Philippians 2:12-13 say about who is at work in our process of salvation?
4. In the sermon, what are the three stages of salvation described, and what does each stage save us from? [[44:17]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul describes salvation as something that is happening now (“being saved”) and not just something that happened in the past? [[48:47]]
2. The sermon compares sanctification to a gym membership—you have access, but you have to show up and train. What does this analogy teach us about our role and God’s role in spiritual growth? [[58:18]]
3. How does understanding salvation as a journey (justification, sanctification, glorification) change the way someone might view their daily struggles with sin? [[46:36]]
4. According to the sermon, what is the basis for our assurance of salvation—our performance or God’s faithfulness? How does this affect our confidence? [[01:16:23]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says sanctification is not about perfection, but about daily submission to God’s shaping hand. What is one area of your life where you sense God is trying to shape you right now? How can you submit to His work this week? [[57:04]]
2. The pastor shared a story about reacting in anger at home and then being corrected by the Holy Spirit. Can you recall a recent moment when your “flesh” rose up? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [[01:03:12]]
3. The gym membership analogy suggests that growth requires participation. What is one spiritual “muscle” you want to strengthen? What practical step can you take to “show up” and train in that area this month? [[58:18]]
4. The sermon says God gives both the desire and the discipline to grow. Are there spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible reading, serving, etc.) that you struggle to desire or maintain? How can you ask God for help with both the want-to and the follow-through? [[54:45]]
5. The hope of glorification is described as being saved from the very presence of sin and being fully transformed into Christ’s image. How does this future hope encourage you in your current struggles or suffering? [[01:16:23]]
6. The pastor said, “Heaven is not a reward for good behavior, but the destination for those who are in Christ.” How does this truth challenge or comfort you in your walk with God? [[01:17:11]]
7. Assurance of salvation is compared to having a boarding pass before reaching the gate. Do you feel confident in your salvation? If not, what is holding you back from that assurance, and what step could you take to settle it? [[01:23:18]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person walk out the journey of salvation—trusting in His faithfulness, submitting to His shaping, and living with hope for the future.
Devotional
Day 1: Justification—Saved from the Penalty of Sin
Justification is the moment when God declares us righteous, not because of anything we have done, but solely by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In that instant, the penalty of sin is removed, and we are made right with God, experiencing peace that floods our hearts and a new beginning that is entirely a gift, not a reward for our efforts. This is the foundation of our salvation—the assurance that our past is covered and forgiven, and we stand before God as if we had never sinned. [44:17]
Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Reflection: Can you recall the moment you first experienced God’s forgiveness? How does remembering that moment help you face any guilt or shame from your past today?
Day 2: Sanctification—Being Saved from the Power of Sin
Sanctification is the ongoing process where God shapes and molds us, freeing us from the power of sin and enabling us to grow in Christlikeness. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about daily submitting to God’s work in us—saying “yes” to Him and “no” to our flesh. Even when we stumble, the Holy Spirit calls us to maturity, helping us to work out our salvation with reverence, knowing that God Himself gives us both the desire and the discipline to live for Him. [55:46]
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God is calling you to grow or change right now, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you take a practical step today?
Day 3: The Power of the Cross—Ongoing Source for Transformation
The cross is not just a historical event but an ongoing power source in the life of every believer, continually working in us to bring about transformation. To the world, the message of the cross may seem foolish, but for those who are being saved, it is the very power of God that enables us to overcome sin, walk in victory, and experience real change in our daily lives. The cross is the reason we can stand in authority, knowing that no weapon formed against us will prosper, and that God always provides a way of escape. [50:10]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Reflection: When you face temptation or discouragement, how can you remind yourself to rely on the ongoing power of the cross rather than your own strength?
Day 4: Glorification—The Assurance of Future Salvation
Glorification is the final stage of salvation, when God will save us from the very presence of sin and transform us completely into the image of Christ. This hope is not based on our performance but on God’s faithfulness to finish what He started in us. Our future is secure, and heaven is not a reward for good behavior but the destination for those who are in Christ. Even in grief or uncertainty, we can have peace knowing that our ultimate home is with the Lord, where there will be no more sorrow, pain, or brokenness. [01:17:11]
1 Peter 1:5 (ESV)
Who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Reflection: How does the assurance of your future with Christ change the way you handle loss, suffering, or fear about what lies ahead?
Day 5: Salvation Is a Gift—Receive and Walk in Assurance
Salvation is a free gift offered to all, but it must be received personally through faith in Jesus—by admitting our need, believing in His finished work, and confessing Him as Lord. This assurance is not meant to be a source of pride, but a foundation for living with confidence and hope, knowing that our destination is secure. We are called not only to receive this gift but to walk in it daily, allowing God’s grace to shape our lives and sharing this hope with others. [01:24:58]
Romans 10:9 (ESV)
Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about the assurance and hope found in Jesus? How can you share your story or invite them to take a step toward Christ this week?
Quotes
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