Salvation: Forgiveness According to God’s Standard

by

The security of salvation depends on whose work it ultimately is. We might fumble, but God remains faithful.

The Stages of Salvation

God’s Hands Are Stronger Than Ours

  • We should never fear that hands as strong as God’s would drop something as precious as salvation.
  • “All that the Father gives me will come to me… I will never cast out” (John 6:37).

Takeaway: Our security rests in God’s strength, not our grip.

Justification: God’s Declaration of Our Holiness

  • Justification = God’s declaration that we are holy and no longer guilty.
  • Happens at the moment of receiving the gospel.
  • This status cannot be changed.

Key Verses: Romans 5:1, Galatians 3:24, John 10:28

Takeaway: Justification happens once and forever — we are declared not guilty.

Sanctification: God’s Process of Our Holiness

  • Sanctification = the ongoing process of becoming more holy.
  • It covers every critical day between believing the gospel and beholding the Savior.
  • Discipleship is our role in sanctification.

Key Verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:23, John 17:17, Philippians 1:6

Takeaway: Sanctification is progress, not perfection, and it’s powered by God.

Glorification: God’s Completion of Our Holiness

  • Glorification = when we are made holy and complete in God’s presence.
  • Happens when we finally see Jesus face-to-face.
  • Eternity begins without the burden of sin.

Key Verses: Colossians 3:4, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 3:20-21

Takeaway: Glorification finishes what salvation started — total holiness forever.

What About Those Who Leave the Faith?

  • Those who abandon the faith were never truly saved.
  • “They went out from us, but they were not of us…” (1 John 2:19).

Takeaway: True believers remain in faith because they are secured by God.

Final Question: Can Salvation Be Lost?

  • Short Answer: no, if God is the one responsible for it.
  • “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation…” (Ps. 51:12).

Takeaway: If God saves you, He keeps you. Period.