The Doctrine of Salvation

Salvation is through faith in Jesus alone, and it is free!  This is the message of the Bible.  By our works, we cannot obtain it.  Only the blood of Jesus can take away our sins and makes us worthy of Heaven!  Until Jesus saves us, we are trapped in our sins and separated from God.  But salvation does not just stop there.  Salvation has three phases: Justification, sanctification, and glorification!  When we accept Christ as our Saviour, we are justified, that is, wholly forgiven of all sin and clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ.  Thus we are saved from the penalty of sin.  When a believer dies, Jesus receives them.  This is glorification, and at that time, we will be protected from the presence of sin altogether! The time between justification and glorification is the time of our life on earth.   Sanctification is a life-long process for a believer who lives in obedience to God.  It is the process of becoming more and more like Jesus!  Justification should lead to sanctification and finally to glorification!  

A significant portion of the Bible is about sanctification. All the Bible verses teaching and urging us not to sin are related to sanctification.  The law of circumcision and works cannot make us holy. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a sanctified life delivered from the power of sin everyday.  The evidence of our salvation is the fruit that the people around us can see.  The indwelling Holy Spirit gives us the ability to hear, recognize and respond to God's voice.  That is why no believer can ever say they are continuing to live in sin because they cannot resist evil! We have the power that resurrected Jesus available to us to overcome the flesh and live an abundant life on earth with Jesus, here and now. That is why Paul is urging every believer, saying, "As you, therefore, have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving" (Col 2:6-7).

My friend, if you desire to be salt and light where God has placed you, do not take living in obedience to the Word lightly! The Bible says, “…  that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6).  May the Lord help us to live a sanctified life!

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