Salvation is the term used to describe the change that occurs when a person places his faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The word salvation means “deliverance or safety.” When God saved us, we were delivered from His wrath and the judgment of hell and will safely dwell with Him in heaven for eternity.

Salvation Is Complete

Salvation is perfectly complete, adequate, and eternal. I Peter 3:18 states, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” When a person admits his sin to God and accepts Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, he is entirely saved. There remains no more sacrifice for man’s sin.

Salvation Is Instant

In Luke 23:42, 43, the thief on the cross “said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” This account is a clear teaching that God always has a prompt response to repentance.

Salvation Is Progressive

Salvation is an instantaneous experience, but there’s also a progressive element that is applied to the Christian life. When referring to the past, the Christian has been saved from the judgment and penalty of sin. Concerning the present, the believer is being saved from the habitual, controlling power of sin. Lastly, in the future, those that know Christ as Saviour will be saved at the Lord’s return. This progressive element of salvation does not suggest the possibility of unfinished or imperfect salvation.

Salvation Is Urgent

According to Proverbs 27:1, time on earth is very limited; and the window of opportunity for salvation can be brief. We find in Luke 13:25, once an individual draws his last breath, the door that leads to salvation is permanently sealed; and there are no second chances. Truly this is a sobering thought for all of us, as we must realize that today is the day of salvation.

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Lankford Oxendine

Lankford Oxendine, GSBC Vice President

Bro. Oxendine serves as the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Golden State Baptist College. He has been teaching at GSBC since 2001. He also teaches the College Sunday school class at NVBC.