What is salvation? How does the Father redeem lost sinners who have no hope? Do believers today understand grace salvation? Can we show the light of His gospel to a dark and dying world? Christians must know who we are and what we have in Christ to function as His ambassador to the world. Growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, part of the upward call of the Christian, must start from an appropriation of His work and spiritual assets He makes available to us by grace through faith.
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Grace Salvation
It is of vital importance for all Christians, but especially those new in the faith, to understand the full implications of salvation. The basis of the Christian walk is founded upon the completed (past tense) work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through His sacrifice and subsequent resurrection, the Father has, by grace through faith, made all believers a new creature: born into a new family, heirs to an incredible inheritance, with a future glory beyond our wildest dreams.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men… . Titus 2:11
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
The Importance of the Cross to Believers
There are at least 50 things received by the believer from the grace gift of salvation (freely offered to all men.) It is imperative that all who possess eternal life through Jesus, understand and learn to appropriate who we are and what we have “in Christ”. “In Christ” includes our position, privileges, and divine power that have been made available to us in the regeneration into a new life. The assets and standards of our daily walk are founded upon the fact we are justified and possessors of the life of God; having been sealed into union with Christ. For His life to be manifested in us, we must yield to the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the truth of the Word. The path to spiritual maturity begins with the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the doctrines of salvation.
It is impossible to know His call upon our lives apart from the reality of what He has done. The assurance of these facts, through His Word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, is the best antidote to the lies of Satan, who is operating through the world and its culture based upon power, pleasure, and possessions, and the self-lust of the flesh.
The Road to Salvation
Rom 1:16; Acts 16:31; 1 Cor 15:3-5; Eph 2:8-9
Why does man need to be saved?
God is holy, perfect, and righteous. Man is separated from God by sin (Rom 3:23). God’s justice demands that the price of sin, which is death, must be paid (Rom 6:23). Motivated by His love and mercy, He has provided the grace solution to helpless man by solving his sin problem. There is only one solution that is offered, as a gift by God to man, and that solution is Jesus Christ. By substituting His Son, who took our place and paid the price for all sin, God opens the way back to Him for all men. Those who accept the gift (eternal life through faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ) have a heavenly future, and an eternal family relationship with the One who created all.
How are we saved?
By grace through faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31, 1 Cor 15:3-4, Eph 2:8-9). Salvation is a work of God, not man. The only condition or requirement for eternal salvation by man is FAITH. Jesus Christ has done the work, and for eternity, set aside the punishment demanded by the justice of God (propitiation) for those who believe. Emotions alone, no matter how sincere, will never meet the justice, righteousness, and holiness of God. Man, as a lost sinner, has no merit of works before God.
What are we saved from?
We are saved from the penalty of sin. The judgment for sin is death or separation from God in time and for all eternity. The wrath and condemnation of God is upon all, who through unbelief, reject the sacrificial gift of the Son. There are three categories of sin:
IMPUTED SIN – Being born in Adam and the 13 judicial charges imputed to our account (Rom 5:12).
INHERITED SIN – The sin nature (the old man, the flesh) that we inherited from our parents is the root of personal sin (Rom 7:5, 17; Eph 2:3, Gal 5:17).
INDIVIDUAL SIN – The personal sins we commit daily are the fruit resulting from a choice to allow the sin nature to direct our lives. This choice is made through our hearts. (Rom 3:23). Anything that we do, think, or say that is not of faith in Him and His Word, is sin (Rom 14:23, Gal 5:19-21). If we do not do what we know is right, it is also sin (James 4:17). Anything in our life that is contrary to the essence of God (His attributes of holiness, justice, love, etc.) misses the mark, and is sin.
God’s Grace Gift of 50 Things in Salvation [1]
What does the Bible say about those who believe the gospel and express saving faith?
Removal 13 Charges Adam’s Sin
All of the following have been REMOVED! Never again to be placed against the believer’s account.
- The Slave Market of Sin – Gal 4:7; 5:1; 5:13
- Spiritual Darkness – Col 1:13-14; Eph 5:8; Acts 26:18
- The Curse of the Law – Gal 3:10-14; Rom 10:4; Col 2:14
- Natural Man Status – Jude 19; 1 Cor 2:12-14; 1 Cor 15:45-46
- Spiritual Blindness – Acts 26:18; 2 Cor 4:3-4; 2 Tim 1:8-10
- Spiritual Alienation – Eph 2:12-15; Rom 5:6; Col 1:21-22
- Spiritual Death – Rom 5:12; Rom 6:23; John 5:14
- The Wrath of God – John 3:36; Rom 5:9-10; Eph 2:3
- Enmity with God – Rom 5:10; Col 1:21; Eph 2:15-16
- Condemnation – Rom 5:16-18; Rom 8:1-3
- Unrighteousness – Rom 3:10; 3:22-24; 10:10cac
- Perishing Status – John 3:16; 10:28; 1 Cor 1:18
- Ungodly – Rom 1:18; Rom 4:5
We are born “in Adam” with the above charges imputed or charged to our account. We are destined to physical and spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal condemnation in hell. By becoming regenerated or born again, a new creature into a new family, we have a new destiny. We are now “in Christ”, a result of the work of baptism and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, as opposed to being “in Adam.” (1 Cor 12:13, Titus 3:5). We are adopted as mature sons and daughters into the royal family of God, with full rights of inheritance from the Father (1 Pet 1:3-4).
Redemption – 9 Elements of the Blood of Christ
“The path to Communion with God”
There are 9 elements of communion with God that are symbolized by the blood of Christ. These are the contents of the Lord’s cup. Communion or the Lord’s Table is a time to remember the Lord’s work through His death for us in providing salvation from sin and of His coming again for us. 1 Cor 11:25-26
- Redemption – Heb 9:12; 1 Pet 1:18-19; 1 Cor 6:20
- Reconciliation – Col 1:20; 2 Cor 5:17-19; Eph 2:16
- Propitiation – 1 John 2:2; Rom 3:24-26; 1 John 4:10
- Justification – Rom 5:8-9; 5:1; 5:18
- Sanctification – Col 1:22; 1 Cor 1:2; Heb 10:10
- Forgiveness – Heb 9:22; Eph 1:7; 1 John 1:7-9
- Cleansing – Heb 9:8-15; 1 John 1:7-9
- New Covenant – 1 Cor 11:25; Luke 22:20; Heb 10:9-10
- Victory in Spiritual Warfare – 1 John 2:14; Rev 12:10-11; 1 John 5:4
As the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ redeemed us from the penalty of death by the substitution of His life for ours. This gift becomes effective by faith in the gospel. He pays our price for sin. His work becomes effective for the believer at the moment of faith in the free grace gift. A clear definition of the above theological terms is critical to understanding for every Christian when reading and studying Scripture.
Redemption
Unbelieving man is a slave to sin. Redemption is the sinward part of salvation. We have been bought for a price and delivered from the slave market of sin. We are redeemed from sin, lawless deeds, transgressions, and our former way of life in Adam. [2]
Reconciliation
Unbelieving man is an enemy of God. Reconciliation is the manward aspect of salvation. Man in his fallen state is hostile and in enmity to God. Reconciliation moves man from being an enemy to a state of fellowship, family status and peace. [3]
Propitiation
Unbelieving man is a guilty criminal who has violated the righteousness and justice of a holy God. Propitiation is Godward aspect of salvation. The work of Jesus on the cross has diverted and appeased the anger and wrath of God. [4]
Justification
Justification is a judicial term that signifies the sinner’s acquittal from guilt by God as judge. It pronounces the sinner as righteous who, in faith, has accepted the gift of Christ (Rom 3:21-27). The sinner is justified by God and declared righteous. This is our positional righteousness in Christ and is the basis for our standing.
Sanctification
We have died to sin (Rom 6:12) and are no longer enslaved to the sin nature. We are crucified from the world. We live in the world but are seperated from it.
Forgiveness
All sin has been forgiven. Our standing with God is that we have been imputed or credited with the righteousness of Jesus. It is as if we have never sinned with regard to our position.
Cleansing
His blood has paid the price for all sin and washed us from all unrighteousness.
New Covenant
We have been baptized into union with the mediator of the New Covenant. The Old Covenant has been abrogated and set aside by the cross of Jesus Christ. The New Covenant has been inaugurated at the cross and will be fully realized at the second coming of Jesus Christ at the end of the tribulation.
Reunion and Regeneration – 8 Works of the Holy Spirit
The resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ proved the acceptance by the Father of the sacrifice of the Son for the sin of man. His ascension is followed by the parakletos ministry of the Holy Spirit that began the Church Age. All 8 of the following works were accomplished by the Holy Spirit the moment you believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. John 7:38-39; 14:1-6.
- Baptism – 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:5; Gal 3:26-29
- Sealed – Eph 1:13-14; 2 Cor 1:22
- Regeneration – Eternal Life – John 3:1-8; 6:63; Titus 3:5
- Adoption – “Son Placing” for Inheritance – Rom 8:14-17; Gal 4:4-6; Heb 12:8
- Indwelling – Seal, Earnest, and Pledge – 1 Cor 6:19-20; Gal 3:1-3; Eph 2:22
- Spiritual Life – Rom 8:9-11; Gal 5:16; 2 Cor 2:16
- Spiritual Gift – 1 Cor 12:11; 1 Cor 12:12-14; Rom 12:3-8
- Access to God – Eph 2:13; Heb 4:14-16; Heb 10:21-22
Baptism
Jesus Christ, by means of the Holy Spirit, baptizes us into His body. The result of this Spirit baptism is to create an eternal union between Christ and the believer. The Holy Spirit seals us into Christ forming a permanent union. The time of sealing occurs at the moment of our conversion, union with Christ, and indwelling by the Spirit. Nothing can undo this work of God.
Regeneration
As the Spirit baptizes the believer into Christ, the life of Christ, which is eternal, comes into the believer. God now lives within the believer. Regeneration is the union of the believer with the life of Christ.
Sanctification
As a result of our identification with Jesus on the cross in His death, burial and resurrection we have been crucified to the world. We are in the world but no longer a part of it or the kingdom of darkness. We have died to sin and have been set free to walk in light and righteousness.
Indwelling
The permanent indwelling by the Holy Spirit of the believer at the point of salvation.
Result of Salvation in Status and Privilege – 20 Things
“For you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into this marvelous light…” 1 Pet 2:9
Because of your STATUS as a child of God you ARE:
- Brethren – 1 Thess 1:4; Heb 2:9-12; Eph 3:15
- Son of God – Gal 3:26; Rom 8:14-17; John 1:12-13
- Son of Light – Eph 5:8-9; John 1:4-9; Col 1:12-13
- Child of Promise – Rom 9:8-9; Gal 3:1-29; Gal 4:28-31
- First Born – Heb 1:6; Rom 8:29; Col 1:15-20
- Beloved – Rom 1:7; Eph 1:6; Col 3:12
- New Creation – 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:10-12; Gal 3:14-16
- Elect/Chosen – Eph 1:4-5; 2 Thess 2:13-14; 1 Pet 1:1-2
- Righteous – 2 Cor 5:21; Rom 3:22-31; 1 John 2:1
- Eternal Life – John 11:25-27; 20:31; 1 John 5:11-13
As a member of the royal family of God you have the following PRIVILEGES and INHERITANCE:
- Ambassador – 2 Cor 5:18-20; Eph 6:15
- Priest – 1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6; Heb 7:12
- Joint-Heir – Rom 8:17; Gal 4:7; Acts 20:32
- Inheritance from the Father – 1 Pet 1:3-4; Col 1:12; Heb 9:15
- Saint – Phil 4:21-22; 2 Thess 1:10-12; Rom 1:7
- Body of Christ – 1 Cor 12:12-27; Eph 5:23
- His Bond Slave – 1 Cor 7:22-23; Eph 6:6-8; 1 Pet 2:16
- Calling from God – 2 Tim 1:9; Rom 8:28-30; Col 3:15
- Citizen of heaven – Phil 3:20; Eph 2:19; Heb 12:22-23
- A Living Stone – 1 Pet 2:4-8; 1 Cor 3:9; Eph 2:19-22
Attack Upon the Father’s Plan
Many of those in the world question the power of the Father and His love. If God is so strong, powerful and loving why does He allow such pain, heartache and suffering? Why did He allow Satan, the fallen angels, or man to sin?
Adam’s Fall and Our Glorification
Satan stole dominion over the earth from man by the deception and fall in the garden of Eden. Man has fallen to a position lower than the angels, separated from God. Salvation unites us eternally to Christ Jesus and indwells us forever with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We now have access to the life of God, and as a family member will receive every blessing in the heavenlies along with an eternal inheritance. We have been raised above the angels and, by grace, receive much more than what was ever lost by the fall. We will be conformed to the image of Christ and share His glory, forever.
For those who love the Father and are called according to His purpose, the sure conviction and hope of what awaits us proves His faithfulness and love. Through the fall of Adam, the Father is calling out a people who will share the life of God. For believers, the future is as bright as the Son.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Rom 8:28-29
As believers, the suffering of the present day will be a distant memory in the face of the glory that awaits us.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us … Rom 8:18 (a reflected glory, upon us).
“We shall not only witness the glory (that would be expressed by the dative case of the pronoun), but it will come upon us and affect us … ” [5]
Riches of His Grace
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, SO THAT in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
We have been saved SO THAT in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Let us all be grateful and give praise to the glory of His grace.
As God’s workmanship, He has created us to walk in His works. As we are created in grace, we are also to walk in grace as He performs these works in and through us (Eph 2:10). Thank God for His abounding grace!
Notes:
[2] Waterhouse, Steven, Not by Bread Alone, Westcliff Press, Amarillo, Tx., 2007, 106-114
[3] Ibid, 111
[4] Ibid, 114
[5] Vine, W. E. , Collected Writings of W.E. Vine, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN, 1996.
