Understanding the Dimensions of Salvation in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Singular Foundation of Salvation

Salvation is a comprehensive process involving past, present, and future dimensions, all secured by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This singular foundation assures us of the certainty of our salvation across all timeframes. The past aspect of salvation is the moment of justification, where believers are forgiven and adopted into God's family. This is a completed work, emphasizing that it is by grace through faith, not by works. The present aspect involves sanctification, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to make believers holy. This process is essential for seeing the Lord and is achieved through the truth of God's Word. The future aspect of salvation is the assurance of deliverance from God's wrath and the complete transformation of our bodies. [02:38]

1 Corinthians 3:11-13 (ESV): "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done."

Reflection: In what ways can you build your daily life on the foundation of Christ's sacrifice, ensuring that your actions reflect the certainty of your salvation?

Day 2: The Gift of Past Salvation

Past salvation is a completed act where we were justified and adopted into God's family. This moment of new birth is a gift of grace, not based on our works, and it guarantees our future salvation. The assurance of this past salvation is rooted in the decisive act of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which is the singular foundation of our faith. This past event is not just a historical moment but a transformative experience that continues to impact our lives today. It is a reminder that our salvation is not dependent on our efforts but on the grace and mercy of God. [03:16]

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects the gratitude for the grace and mercy you have received through your past salvation?

Day 3: The Ongoing Work of Sanctification

Present salvation involves sanctification, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to make us holy. This process is essential for seeing the Lord and is achieved through the truth of God's Word. Sanctification is not a passive experience but an active participation in the work of the Holy Spirit. It involves a daily commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God, guided by His Word. The process of sanctification is a journey of transformation, where believers are continually being shaped into the image of Christ. [06:36]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to actively participate in the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Day 4: The Role of God's Word in Sanctification

God's sanctifying work keeps us from sin and leads us in righteousness. This is accomplished through the Word of God, which is the means by which we are continually being saved and sanctified. The Word of God is not just a collection of teachings but a living and active force that transforms our lives. It is through engaging with Scripture that believers are equipped to resist sin and pursue righteousness. The Word of God provides the guidance and strength needed to navigate the challenges of life and to grow in holiness. [09:04]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the Word of God into your daily routine to ensure that it plays a central role in your sanctification process?

Day 5: The Assurance of Future Salvation

The certainty of our present salvation is as assured as our past salvation. God's faithfulness ensures that He will complete the sanctifying work He has begun in us, securing our future in Him. This assurance is not based on our ability to remain faithful but on God's unwavering commitment to His promises. The future aspect of salvation is the hope of eternal life, where believers will experience the fullness of God's presence and the complete transformation of their bodies. This hope is a source of encouragement and motivation to persevere in the faith. [12:03]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and the assurance of your future salvation, especially during times of doubt or struggle?

Sermon Summary

In today's discussion, we explored the multifaceted nature of salvation as described in the Bible. Salvation is not just a past event but a continuous process that encompasses past, present, and future dimensions. We began by affirming that all stages of salvation—past, present, and future—are secured by the singular, decisive act of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This foundational truth assures us that our salvation is not based on multiple foundations but on the one true foundation: Jesus Christ crucified for sinners.

Past salvation is the moment we were justified, forgiven, and adopted into God's family. This is a completed work, as Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, emphasizing that it is by grace through faith, not by works. This past salvation guarantees our future salvation, which is often described as deliverance from God's wrath and the complete transformation of our bodies.

The focus of our discussion was on the present aspect of salvation, which is described as "being saved." This ongoing process is primarily about sanctification, the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to make us holy. Sanctification is essential because, as Hebrews 12:14 states, without holiness, no one will see the Lord. God is actively working in us to keep us from sin and to lead us in paths of righteousness. This sanctifying work is accomplished through the Word of God, as Jesus prayed in John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."

We concluded by affirming the certainty of God's ongoing work in our lives. Just as our past salvation is secure, so is our present sanctification. First Thessalonians 5:23-24 assures us that God, who calls us, is faithful and will surely complete this work in us. Our present and future salvation is as sure as the worth of Christ's sacrifice, secured in His blood.

Key Takeaways

1. Salvation is a comprehensive process involving past, present, and future dimensions, all secured by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This singular foundation assures us of the certainty of our salvation across all timeframes. [02:38]
2. Past salvation is a completed act where we were justified and adopted into God's family. This moment of new birth is a gift of grace, not based on our works, and it guarantees our future salvation. [03:16]
3. Present salvation involves sanctification, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to make us holy. This process is essential for seeing the Lord and is achieved through the truth of God's Word. [06:36]
4. God's sanctifying work keeps us from sin and leads us in righteousness. This is accomplished through the Word of God, which is the means by which we are continually being saved and sanctified. [09:04]
5. The certainty of our present salvation is as assured as our past salvation. God's faithfulness ensures that He will complete the sanctifying work He has begun in us, securing our future in Him. [12:03]
** [12:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Salvation
[00:41] - Three Stages of Salvation
[01:22] - Secured by the Cross
[02:04] - Romans 8:32: The Foundation
[02:57] - Past Salvation Explained
[03:52] - Future Salvation Assurance
[04:44] - Present Salvation: Being Saved
[05:40] - Sanctification as Salvation
[06:59] - The Necessity of Holiness
[08:07] - God's Work in Sanctification
[09:04] - The Role of God's Word
[10:18] - Growing into Salvation
[11:14] - Assurance of Present Salvation
[12:26] - Romans 8:32 Revisited
[13:11] - Conclusion and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Ephesians 2:8-9
Hebrews 12:14
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

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Observation Questions:

According to Ephesians 2:8-9, what is the basis of our past salvation, and how does it emphasize the role of grace? [02:57]
How does Hebrews 12:14 describe the necessity of holiness in the process of sanctification? [06:59]
In 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, what assurance do we have about God's role in our sanctification and future salvation? [12:03]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the past, present, and future aspects of salvation? [02:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of being "saved through sanctification" in 2 Thessalonians 2:13 expand our understanding of salvation beyond a one-time event? [06:14]
What does it mean for our present salvation to be as secure as our past salvation, according to the sermon? [12:26]
How does the sermon explain the role of God's Word in the ongoing process of sanctification? [09:04]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that sanctification is a necessary part of salvation? [06:59]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: How have you experienced the past aspect of salvation, and how does it give you confidence in your future salvation? [03:52]
What are some practical ways you can engage with God's Word to aid in your sanctification process? Consider setting a specific goal for this week. [09:04]
Think about a current struggle with sin. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's work in sanctification to overcome it? [08:07]
How can you cultivate holiness in your daily life, knowing that without it, no one will see the Lord? [06:59]
Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in you. How can you actively surrender this area to Him? [12:03]
Consider a time when you felt uncertain about your salvation. How does the assurance of God's ongoing work in your life provide comfort and security? [12:26]
How can you encourage others in your small group or community to embrace the ongoing process of sanctification? What role can you play in supporting their spiritual growth? [09:04]

Sermon Clips

But let's be clear from the beginning that all three stages of Salvation were secured purchased by the decisive Act of God in Christ on the cross all three not just the past yeah and here's here's the utterly glorious foundation for that statement Romans 8 32. [00:01:38]

He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all now that's the cross, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things now here's the meaning, because of the cross, every aspect of Salvation will most certainly come to God's people past, present, future. [00:02:06]

So whether past, present or future, we are not talking about three different foundations of salvation, but the different applications of the one achieved Foundation Jesus Christ crucified for sinners, so first past salvation Ephesians 2 8 by Grace you have been saved through faith this is not your own doing it is the gift of God. [00:02:35]

The decisive work is done the moment we believed we were United to Christ, we're justified in him we're forgiven, adopted we became new creatures and were once for all saved to the uttermost as Hebrews 7 25 says, now that past salvation Paul says is the absolute guarantee of our future salvation. [00:03:28]

And usually that future salvation is spoken of as a rescue from the future wrath of God, so here's Romans 5 9. since therefore we have been justified by his blood that's passed and that's the guarantee of what much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. [00:03:54]

Now what about the words are being saved in First Corinthians 1 18. that's what Jessica's asking about the word of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God same wording in Acts 2 47 the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. [00:04:49]

So in what sense is God saving us now between the past salvation of the new birth and Redemption and justification and forgiveness of sins and adoption which are all fixed and firm and unchangeable, and the future salvation of deliverance from the wrath of God in judgment and the complete eradication of sin. [00:05:27]

God chose you as the first fruits to be saved through sanctification by the spirit and belief in the truth, saved through sanctification by the spirit that is what God is doing now he is sanctifying us and that is salvation a necessary part of salvation for three reasons. [00:06:19]

God is at work saving us now by seeing to it that we attain the Holiness without which we won't see the Lord and number three second Peter 1 10 says therefore brothers be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election for if you practice these things that is if you're Sanctified as Paul said you'll never fail. [00:07:14]

God is doing that saving work in two senses number one, he's keeping us back from Soul destroying patterns of sin as it says in First Corinthians 10 13 no no test no temptation will overcome us to destroy us or Jude 24. he will keep us from stumbling and present us blameless to God. [00:08:04]

The answer given over and over is by the word of God by the gospel so Jesus prayed father sanctify them in the truth your word is truth, so God sanctifies by the truth Paul said in First Corinthians 15 1 and 2. I would remind you Brothers of the Gospel, I preached to you. [00:09:00]

Receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your souls, so daily welcoming receiving daily embracing of the word of God is the ongoing way that God keeps us from destruction and saves us Peter puts it like this in First Peter 2 2. [00:10:10]

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Understanding the Dimensions of Salvation in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Singular Foundation of Salvation

Day 2: The Gift of Past Salvation

Day 3: The Ongoing Work of Sanctification

Day 4: The Role of God's Word in Sanctification

Day 5: The Assurance of Future Salvation

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Understanding the Dimensions of Salvation in Christ

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