THE PROCESS OF SALVATION

THE PROCESS OF SALVATION

 

Because we humans are created in the image and likeness of our Creator, we are triune beings, after the pattern of our God who has chosen to reveal Himself as a Trinity. We are a spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body that is suited for life on planet earth. The scriptures therefore teach that salvation  has to be in three stages, so to speak, so that our entire being can benefit. Our human spirit, which is that innermost part of us that has the ability to communicate with God, is the first to be "saved". This takes place when we realize we are sinners, separated from God, and repent of our sins and receive this first stage of salvation. Then we can say "I have been (past tense) saved" and really know it to be a fact because of God's Word. (John 3:3-8), (Eph 2:1-10) Once our "spirit" has been saved, we begin the second stage of our salvation which involves our "soul". This part of us includes our mind, our emotions, and out will, another trinity, so to speak. This stage of salvation is referred to in scripture as "sanctification", which is a process that begins when our spirit is saved, and continues until our "body" is finally saved at the time of receiving out new spiritual body that will be like unto the resurrected body of Jesus. (1 John 3:1-3)

 

Therefore is perfectly proper to refer to our salvation experience as something that is"past" referring to our spirit, It is "present" referring to our soul that is gradually being changed into the likeness of Christ, and "future" referring to our body! This can be confusing unless we understand the three distinct parts of our human personalities. The Holy Spirit of God, which we can think of as "The Presence" of God is involved in all three stages of this process of salvation. In the gospel of John chapters 14, 15, and 16, we read about the instructions Jesus gave to His followers just before He went to the cross to complete the work of redemption. His main message was meant to prepare them to receive the Holy Spirit who would be sent by the Father to take the place of Jesus on earth, when He returned to heaven. He is presently seated with His Father, and will remain there "until" His Father gives Him permission to return to earth for His "Bride" at His promised second coming! (1 Thess 4:15-18).

Sincerely submitted.

DaveJamer