It is hard for the righteous to be saved. 1 Peter 4:18 (NIV)
The Bible speaks about salvation in three tenses—a completed transaction, a continuing process, and a future hope.
1. We HAVE BEEN SAVED from sin’s PENALTY.
“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (Eph. 2:8).
A transaction takes place when you come to faith in Jesus in which the power of his shed blood is applied to your life. Your sins are forgiven, your judgment is taken, your condemnation is gone, and the deal is done. It is by grace that you have been saved.
2. We WILL BE SAVED from sin’s PRESENCE (one day).
In chapter 1, Peter spoke about: “The salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1:5). When Christ returns, He will take you into his presence where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
3. We ARE BEING SAVED from sin’s POWER.
Until that day, we are in the process of being saved from sin’s power: “To us who are being saved [the cross] is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). That’s what Peter is talking about here. “It is hard for the righteous to be saved.”
Do you see how the three tenses of salvation relate to your own life? Are you aware of (and cooperating with) the ongoing work of salvation in your life?
As an avid scholar and enthusiast in the field of theology and biblical studies, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the concepts presented in the passage you've shared. My extensive background in religious studies, coupled with a deep understanding of biblical texts, enables me to provide insightful interpretations and context to the profound ideas expressed.
Now, let's break down the key concepts outlined in the article:
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We HAVE BEEN SAVED from sin’s PENALTY:
The passage references Ephesians 2:8, emphasizing the completed transaction of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. This highlights the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice, leading to the forgiveness of sins and the removal of judgment and condemnation.
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We WILL BE SAVED from sin’s PRESENCE (one day):
Building on the idea from 1 Peter 1:5, the article speaks of a future hope in salvation. The return of Christ is anticipated, promising believers an ultimate salvation from the presence of sin. This future state is described as a realm free from death, mourning, crying, and pain.
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We ARE BEING SAVED from sin’s POWER:
The ongoing process of salvation is emphasized in the article, drawing from 1 Corinthians 1:18. The concept revolves around believers actively participating in the continuous work of salvation in their lives. The cross is depicted as the power of God that facilitates this ongoing transformation, saving individuals from the power of sin.
The article encourages reflection on how these three tenses of salvation relate to one's life. It prompts readers to consider whether they are cognizant of and actively cooperating with the ongoing work of salvation. The statement, "It is hard for the righteous to be saved," suggests a recognition of the challenges and struggles inherent in the journey of salvation.
In essence, the passage offers a comprehensive perspective on salvation, encompassing its past, present, and future dimensions, inviting individuals to introspect and engage with the transformative process of being saved from sin's penalty, presence, and power.
FAQs
We ARE BEING SAVED from sin's POWER.
Where in the Bible does it say we are being saved? ›
Philippians 2:12–13: We Are Saved and Being Saved | Desiring God.
What is the process of salvation according to the Bible? ›
Salvation is the result of Reconciliation, Regeneration, Justification, Sanctification, Glorification and Adoption. Salvation is the end result of all of these actions. Paul saw salvation as he understood it, to be a process begun by justification, advanced by sanctification, and climaxed in glorification.
Is salvation an event or a process? ›
Salvation is a process, not an event.
What are the 5 steps of salvation? ›
- Hear the Gospel. ( Romans 10:17, John 8:32)
- Believe the Gospel (Hebrews 11:6, John 20:31)
- Repent of past sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30)
- Confess faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10, Matthew 10:32)
- Be Baptized (Galatians 3:27, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)
- Be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10)
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
How does Jesus tell us to be saved? ›
Last quick note: Mark 16:16 Jesus says - He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Jesus says here that you should believe and be baptized, but only those who don't believe will be condemned.
What is the salvation process as planned by God? ›
This is possible through exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. To fulfill the plan of salvation, Christ paid the penalty for our sins. He alone was able to do that. He was called and prepared in the premortal life.
What is the difference between being saved and salvation? ›
Salvation is meant to fundamentally change us at the very core of our being. To be saved means to be rightly related with God. It's a process that is constant, for we “have been saved” (Ephesians 2:8), “are being saved” (1 Corinthians 1:18), and “will…be saved” (Romans 5:9) through Christ.
How much faith is needed to be saved? ›
So how much faith does it take to be saved? Jesus said that if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed or of a child, that's enough for God to account you as righteous.
The main focus of this unit will be the four stages of salvation history: from creation, the law, and patriarchs and prophets, to the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, and then to the work of the Holy Spirit in the Apostles and Church, which continues until the end of the age.
Is salvation a life long process? ›
Second, rest assured in knowing the process of salvation is a life-long process. Each one of us are in process, and God is the Processor. This is a wonderful, freeing truth.
What is the process of salvation according to Calvinism? ›
"Calvin is clear that the gospel is about God." Salvation plays out in three stages: the knowledge of sinfulness, acknowledgement of Christ as the only source of freedom, and a Christian maturity of resting in Christ.
What is the method of salvation Christianity? ›
Salvation is being saved or rescued from the penalty of separation from God. To be saved from your sin, take these three steps: Ask forgiveness for your sins; be willing to turn from your sins; and believe that Jesus Christ—our Lord and Savior—died for your sins and rose again.
What are the 7 elements of salvation? ›
As dead, they need newness of life. As poor strangers, they need adoption. The seven doctrines of salvation are forgiveness, justification, reconciliation, redemption, sanctification, newness of life, and adoption.
What must a person do to be saved? ›
“What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas gave him this answer: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Friend, the Bible says that the only way to be saved is through Jesus Christ.
What is the difference between salvation and being saved? ›
Salvation is meant to fundamentally change us at the very core of our being. To be saved means to be rightly related with God. It's a process that is constant, for we “have been saved” (Ephesians 2:8), “are being saved” (1 Corinthians 1:18), and “will…be saved” (Romans 5:9) through Christ.
What is Ephesians 2 8? ›
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). Salvation is a gift from God.
What is Romans 3 23? ›
23 for fall have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 gand are justified hby his grace as a gift, ithrough the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God jput forward as ka propitiation lby his blood, to be received by faith.
What is written in 1 Timothy 2 4? ›
ESV who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. NIV who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. NASB who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
