258 – Calling – The Past, Present and Future Views of Salvation

SEMESTER 4

258 – Calling – The Past, Present and Future Views of Salvation

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY IV LESSON # 58
THE DOCTRINE OF CALLING
(THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE VIEWS OF SALVATION)

INTRODUCTION:

Salvation is a word of broad meaning. Biblically, it encompasses all that God does in saving us, as well as the effects of that work upon us. Much confusion arises from neglecting to define Bible words that describe salvation. Confusion has also arisen from the neglect of viewing salvation in its past, present and future aspects. Let us give a little attention to this body of truth.

I. THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD SALVATION

1. It is derived from Hebrew words (a) yesh-oo-aw (deliverance), (b) yes-ha (deliverance or liberty) and (c) tesh-oo-aw (rescue).
2. It comes from Greek words (a) soteria (rescue, safety, deliver­ance, health, save, etc.) and (b) soterion (defender, defense, salvation).
3. It is the Greek word soter, from which we derive the term soteriology.
4. Thus, the word salvation encompasses all that God does in rescuing us from sin and delivering us into everlasting life. (II Cor. 1:10)

II. SALVATION VIEWED IN ITS PAST TENSE

1. Salvation in Scripture is often spoken of in the past and past perfect tenses. (Lk. 7:50, Eph. 2:8, II Tim. 1:9, Titus 3:5, etc.)
2. This relates to sin’s penalty, the removal of judicial guilt, and the removal of sin’s presence in the soul.
3. It is in this sense that we now have eternal life. (Jn. 5:24, Jn. 6:47, Jn. 17:2-3, I Jn. 3:1-3, I Jn. 5:11-13)
4. In this sense the believer has passed from death to life and is absolutely and eternally secure. (Jn. 5:24, Jn. 6:39, Rom. 8:32-39)

III. SALVATION VIEWED IN ITS PRESENT TENSE

1. In this aspect we are being progressively saved from sin’s power over us. (I Cor. 1:18)
2. In this aspect of salvation, we have all manner of responsibility. (Phil. 2:12)
3. Many passages charge us with responsibility in this, which do not use the word salvation. (Rom. 6:14, Gal. 2:19-20, II Cor. 3:18, II Cor. 7:1, Heb. 12:14)
4. In this aspect we are being saved through the work of the Holy Spirit, both within us and with us.
5. We are also being saved by the prevenient grace of God. (I Cor. 10:12-13)

IV. SALVATION VIEWED IN THE FUTURE TENSE

1. Salvation is also referred to in Scripture as something that is in the future. (Rom. 5:9-10, Rom. 8:23, Rom. 13:11, I Cor. 5:5, Eph. 1:13-14, I Thes. 5:8, Heb. 10:36, I Pet. 1:5, I Jn. 3:2-3)
2. Future salvation involves all the necessities for preservation and perseverance in the rest of our present life. (Psa. 37:23-24, Jn. 10:27, Rom. 5:9-10, Jn. 6:39)
3. The glorification or redemption of the body. (Rom. 8:23, 30 Rom. 8:28-30)
4. This is the application of redemption (by His blood) to the believer’s body. (I Cor. 15:52-56, I Thes. 4:13-17)
5. At this time the body shall enjoy the freedom from sin that the spirit now longs for.
6. Remember that salvation in all these tenses is totally of the Lord. (Phil. 1:6, Phil. 2:13)