4/10/12- Aspects of Salvation

WSC Q. 29- How can we share in this redemption that Christ purchased for us?
A. The Holy Spirit makes real to us the redemption purchased by Christ.


Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—(John 1:12)


 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

Thoughts: Salvation is a process.  In the next few weeks we will look at different aspects of our salvation.  


REDEMPTION ACCOMPLISHED
1) Predestination- In some ways God saves us when he foreknew and planned our salvation before the history of the world (Eph. 1)
2) Incarnation- In some ways God saves us when Christ came down for us.  If He hadn't come the love of God would not be so clear. Jn. 3:16
3) Crucifixion- We are saved in a sense by what Christ has done on the cross. Jn. 3:16
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REDEMPTION APPLIED
4) Effectual Calling/Regeneration- when we hear the gospel and the Spirit enables us to hear and respond. (John 1:12; Titus 3:5)
5) Conversion- Turning away from sin and turning toward Christ.(John 3:3) 
6) Justification- When we are accepted as righteous (Rom. 3:24)
7) Adoption- When we are accepted into God's family- at the same time as justification and conversion. (Rom. 8:15,23)
8) Sanctification- The Holy Spirit enables us to grow in our faith and fight sin in our lives. (1 Thess. 5:23)
9) Unification- Union with Christ. We are in Christ- part of His body, and become more and more like Him and more and more united to Him (similar to sanctification). Union with Christ is made complete in heaven. (1 Cor. 1:9; Col. 1:26)
10) Glorification- When we are made perfect in heaven- body and soul at the end of our history or the end of earth's history. (1 Cor. 15:51,52)


The Westminster Shorter Catechism emphasizes our Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification.  When someone asks, "When were you saved?" We could have multiple answers (as above), though they are probably referring to our conversion in which our regeneration, justification, adoption and the beginning of our sanctification and unification.  Salvation is simple- simply say you are sorry for your sins (and mean it), and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. But we are also, in a sense being saved.
It's kind of like going down a path away from destruction- to start down the path is the first step (perhaps the most important)- but each step is a part of the way of salvation (like the Pilgrim's Progress). 


Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to accept your love, your salvation, and grow in your love and my faith.