We are Being Saved (Gospel Preaching and Sanctification, part 3)
Introduction
We are saved from sin in three ways.
- We were saved in the past when we came to Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, i.e., new birth and justification (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:4-9).
- We will be saved in the future when Jesus comes in final judgment of sins, i.e., glorification (1 Peter 1:5; Romans 8:23).
- And we are being saved presently from sin's reigning influence in our hearts and minds, i.e., sanctification. This present and ongoing sense of being saved is our topic.
Question #5. Where does the Bible teach that Christians are being saved?
The Bible teaches this in Acts 2:47 and in 1 Corinthians 1:18 and 15:1-2.
"praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47)
"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
"Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, [2] and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)
"Being saved" is simply another way to talk about our sanctification: God's work of killing sin and cultivating holiness within us to make us more like Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Read
Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 13:21
Discuss or Contemplate
What would happen in our hearts, minds, words, and lives if we were not being saved in this ongoing sense? How does our "being saved" (i.e., being sanctified) bring glory and honor to God?
Question #6. What do the above verses from 1 Corinthians teach is the power of being saved presently in an ongoing manner?
They teach that "the Word of the cross" (1:18) and the Word of the preached "gospel" (15:1-2), which are one and the same, is the power of our being saved presently.
Application
There is no other power to sanctify children of God except the gospel. That is why this topic is of utmost importance for our discipleship. Neither rules, rituals, principle, practices, good works, nor good morals and laws have the power to change us inwardly.
They did not have the power to save us in the past and reconcile us to God. They will not have the power to save us in the future when Christ returns. And they do not have the power to save us presently, to sanctify us into the image of Christ.
We must see to it that we are ministered to by the gospel of God biblically, eagerly, persistently, humbly, and joyfully for the sake of killing sin and cultivating holiness for the glory of God. Why? It is the power by which we are being saved.
Gospel Preaching and Sanctification
A Series of Devotions on How the Sight of Christ Transforms us into the Likeness of Christ