25. Salvation as a Progression

.... In the earlier parts of this study we saw that God worked with sinners progressively, each phase leading to another phase, unto their salvation. Salvation itself does not succeed to another phase, but it does progress to an ultimate consummation:

.... "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

(Philippians 2:12)

.... This position is answerable to a certain mystery in scripture. Let us ask ourselves, "At what point can a person actually say that they are saved?" We would find equal scriptural support for two different answers. Some scriptures would teach that we are saved as soon as we believe (see Luke 19:9 and 2 Cor 6:2); but other scriptures teach that believers will not be saved until the day Jesus returns to the earth (See Rom 13:11; Phil 1:19; Heb 9:28; 1 Pet 1:5, 9).

. .... Since the Bible teaches salvation as occurring both at the beginning and the ending of our faith, a progression becomes the most plausible answer, showing both as one and bridging the gap over the expanse of time, and Philippians 2:12 provides the premise for this answer (quoted above).

. .... For further information on this perspective, and the whole question of assurance, another module has been created:

To Continue the present discussion with Part 26, Predestination Phase 3, click here.