Like faith and righteousness, salvation is a continuum. Merriam-Webster defines a continuum as “a coherent whole characterized as a collection, sequence, or progression of … elements varying by minute degrees….”[1] It is a big idea with many subparts. Salvation includes the moment we first believed and enjoyed the forgiveness of sins in Christ (Luke 1:77), and it includes our spiritual growth. It is an experiential and spiritual place of refuge and blessing (2 Cor. 7:10; Phil. 2:12; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 2.3; 1 Peter 1:9). Salvation also includes the promise of an afterlife in Heaven, the return of Jesus Christ to Planet Earth, and a promised future existence with Christ on Earth in our resurrection bodies. Christ’s ultimate return to Earth will essentially be a rescue operation – a response to the prayers of the persecuted. His salvation will reach unto the ends of the Earth (Isa. 49:6). Our ultimate salvation is Jesus Christ visibly reigning on Earth and in the hearts of every man and woman (Isa. 52:7). Salvation includes all of the foregoing, and yes, we are saved by grace; it is all a gift (Eph. 2:5,8).
Some call the believer’s spiritual growth “progressive sanctification.” I prefer the idea of progressive Kingdom Living or progressive experiential salvation. We are called to more and more live in the Kingdom of God under God’s authority. The idea of the Kingdom of God includes the already and the not yet. As stated above, the Kingdom of God includes the return of Jesus Christ and His coming visible reign on Planet Earth, but the Kingdom of God is also a present spiritual reality – a place of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). The Kingdom of God is a place where the believer lives more and more under God’s authority in a state of dependency and fellowship with God. The believer is challenged to grow to maturity and fullness. In this life, we cannot be sinless, but we can be blameless in love — loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves. The Greek phrase mallon kai mallon means “more and more”[2] (Phil. 1:9). This idea helps reduce any psychological stress within the believer. Do not beat yourself up about not being sinlessly perfect or for being spiritually immature, just more and more live in the Kingdom of God. Gradually, over time, we become happier and more balanced people. This spiritual progression is experiential Salvation. The Holy Spirit is our primary teacher. We are required to continue in our study and meditation on the Word of God. In our progress, we go through various trials and tribulations. More and more, we are saved from the chaos and instability of a fallen world. More and more, we live in a place of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).
The Greek words apoleia (a noun, meaning “destruction”[3]) (Phil. 1:28; 1 Timothy 6:9) and apollymi (a verb meaning “to destroy”[4]) (Jas. 4:12) are often contrasted with the big idea of salvation. In fact, the contrast between the possibility of destruction and the possibility of salvation is a major Biblical theme with Old Testament roots (Ex.33:5; Duet. 7:4-10; Jer. 30:11). All of humanity is confronted with the possibility of both destruction and salvation (1 Cor. 1:18). Unfortunately, we are inclined to our own destruction. Jesus taught, “For whoever wishes to save [sozo[5]] his life will lose [apollymi[6]] it, but whoever loses [apollymi[7]] his life for My sake and the gospel’s will find [sozo[8]] it” (Matt.8:35). In our spiritual progression, we progressively surrender our autonomy as independent moral agents, and more and more, we say to God, “Your will, not my will.” In doing so, we progressively find true living in constant fellowship with our Creator. When we cling to our independence from God, we, more and more, reap our own destruction. There are big consequences in this life and the next. Contrary to the cavalier thoughts of youth, the consequences of foolishness and arrogance are quite serious. The believer is encouraged to “[g]et wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Prov. 23:23). The disobedient soul (whether believer or unbeliever) will undergo a process of destruction in this life, and the disobedient unbeliever will undergo a process of destruction in this life and in Sheol. It is important and helpful to understand that to some extent even the unbeliever can use wisdom to avoid suffering and destruction in this life. However, at this time, our focus is on the believer.
The destruction is often described as being a consequence of the wrath of God. Paul taught, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9). Sheol is a part or manifestation of God’s wrath, but the wrath of God is much wider in scope than just Sheol. God’s wrath is directed against all disobedience and rebellion, whether committed by believers, unbelievers, or supernatural creatures. In the Book of Revelation, the wrath of God is apocalyptically pictured as the Lake of Fire, which is not a literal lake.
Because we believed in this life, our immediate destination after death is Heaven (2 Cor. 5:1-8, 12:4; Phil. 1:23). We will bypass Sheol (a/k/a Hades) and go immediately to Heaven. This is a relatively new promise. The Old Testament believer (before the death and resurrection of Christ) was promised a destination called Paradise (Luke 23: 43, 16:23) which was a compartment located in Sheol. On the other hand, the unbeliever’s immediate destination after death was and remains a compartment of judgment within Sheol (a/k/a Hades) (Luke 16:23). The compartments of destruction are described as being located in the lower parts of Sheol and are given names like the abyss (Luke 8:31; Deut. 32:22). Such places are described as being the abode of disobedient demons and places of judgment, tribulation, and affliction (Luke 8:28). Similarly, some disobedient angels are imprisoned in tartaroo[9] until the Final Judgment (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6). We are not given a scientific or forensic description of Sheol or the judgments experienced in Sheol. We are given a figurative description (Luke 16: 19-31). Sheol is a prison of judgment and darkness until the Final Judgment. All human beings will be resurrected (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29) and face God at the Final Judgment (2 Cor. 5:10). As the Apostle Peter taught, the Lord knows how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the Final Judgment (2 Pet. 2:9). We should never forget this promise and principle.
Therefore, the moment we first believed is correctly identified as a moment of being saved from the destination of Sheol after death, but as discussed above, the big idea of Salvation includes much more than just being saved from Sheol (a/k/a Hades).
The pages of the Bible provide us with a history of salvation. The first big moment of Israel’s history of salvation occurred in its escape from Egypt and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea. (Ex. 14:13). Moses declared that the Lord was his strength, song, salvation, and abode (Exod. 15:2). Hannah, the mother of Samuel, rejoiced in the Lord’s salvation (1 Sam. 2:1l). The Lord saved David from violence and betrayal, and David proclaimed that God’s salvation was his stronghold and refuge (2 Sam. 22:3). A big rock is a place or high point of protection, and David declared that the Lord was David’s “rock of salvation” (2 Sam. 22:47). David also said, “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us and deliver us from the nations…” (1 Chron. 16:35). As long as we live in this fallen world, we are surrounded by fallen enemies, both human and nonhuman. More and more, salvation was seen as a spiritual place carved out from the chaos of a fallen world, a place of protection from the many enemies all about us.
The life of David was an example of both David finding a deliverance from literal human enemies and finding a place of spiritual refuge in God. At Psalm 25:5, David sang to God: “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all day.” To David, salvation was something to learn about. The big idea of salvation is something David shared with others. He taught that “the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble” (Ps. 37:39). David did not hide his understanding of God’s Salvation; He proclaimed it to the people of God (Ps. 40:10)! David declared that God’s Salvation is a place of joy and gladness (Ps. 40:16). Because of this place of joy and gladness, men are told to magnify the Lord (Ps. 40:16).
God reveals His spiritual place of salvation to men. Psalm 50:23 states, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright, I shall show the salvation of God.” As James taught: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (Jas. 4:8). This is equivalent to Kingdom Living and entering by the narrow gate. God is our rock, our refuge, our stronghold, our strength, and our place of rest (Ps. 62:2,6,7). Yes, He literally protects us physically until our death, but much more, He is a place of psychological and spiritual refuge. In contrast, many do not trust in His Salvation (Ps. 78:22).
Salvation is near to those who fear God (Ps. 85:9). To experience God’s salvation, the believer must maintain humility and reverence for his Creator. Most humans want to live in a place of separation from God. They want to cling to their autonomy and independence from their Creator. In fact, clinging to our autonomy from God is the very description and practice of evil. If we do not allow God to be our God, we inevitably function as our own god, or perhaps, a lust, or a particular pleasure, or Political Correctness, or some other thing functions as our god (to one degree or another). If God does not function as our God, something else always replaces Him. This is a basic rule of human existence. Nothing is qualified to be God, but God. Our future eternal existence will be inhabited only by people who accept this reality.
To see the salvation of God is the equivalence of experiencing and understanding the meaning of salvation (Ps. 91:16). To experience God’s salvation is to escape and be delivered from the chaos and instability of our fallen world. Salvation is a place of refuge, peace, and joy even when there is chaos, instability, and hatred all around us. From this experience of salvation comes the believer’s desire to joyfully sing songs of praise to the Creator (Ps. 95:1). When the believer experiences this salvation, he is motivated to proclaim the good tidings of Salvation (Ps. 96:2). This experience of salvation was personified by Jesus Christ, who lived in nonstop fellowship with the Father and Spirit. Jesus Christ not only provided us salvation, He demonstrated the higher meaning of salvation. He is our salvation (Ps 118:14,21). The New Covenant Spiritual Life is the experience of salvation. We are required to walk by the Spirit, wherein the Word is a light to our feet, trusting in Christ Jesus, while having no confidence in our fleshly capacity to live this supernatural way of being. To experience salvation, we must continue to trust in our Lord (Isa. 12:2). Our new life is captured by the Greek word en used in association with Christ, which means “in, by, [and] with”[10] Christ. The phrase en Christos is used around 80 times in the New Testament, which gives the reader some idea of the importance of this little phrase when seeking to understand the New Covenant Spiritual Life. Additionally, we must recall that His very name: Iesous[11] (in the Greek) and Yehowshuwa[12] (in the Hebrew) means “Jehovah saves.” The life of salvation comes from God. It bubbles up like a spring from the Holy Spirit, with life giving waters (Isa. 12:3).
On the other hand, salvation is far from the wicked believer and unbeliever (Ps. 119:55). To see and experience this salvation, we must seek to be obedient (Ps. 119:55). We must follow His rules and principles for living (Ps. 119: 155,166,174). The experience of salvation and the New Covenant Spiritual Life is obediential living, which is possible only by the grace of God. We may have many primal desires, but all primal desires must be subordinated to the will and timing of God.
To be clothed with salvation means that we must receive it and wear it (Ps.132:16). It is not natural to us. We must consciously and conscientiously seek salvation. Yes, salvation is a gift from God. We are warned to not trust in mortal men for our salvation (Ps. 146:3). As believers, we must wait for salvation (Isa. 25:9). Like waiting for His return, we must wait for more righteousness, peace, and joy from the Holy Spirit. Gradually, over time, God gives us a more balanced soul of peace and joy. God is our source of stability, wisdom, and knowledge (Isa. 33:6). Never lose your fear and reverence for Him (Isa. 33:6). God’s Salvation can bear incredible fruit in your life (Isa. 45:8). The Fraternity of Faithful Believers will bear an incredible harvest (Isa. 45:17). We must wear a helmet of salvation on our heads (Isa. 59:17), because this must be our intention and desire. Our salvation includes the rewards and blessings that our conquering hero will share with His faithful (Isa. 62:11).
In the New Testament the message of salvation is hyper-focused on the person and identity of Jesus of Nazareth. “[T]here is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Other religions and worldly philosophies may attack Jesus Christ and Christianity, but really no other religions or philosophies promise the depth and breadth of Salvation as described in the Bible. This salvation is promised to those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 1:16). However, the experience of salvation in the believer’s life is dependent on faithfulness.
Like in the Old Testament, the New Testament description of salvation has a full range of meanings. It includes physical protection from our enemies (Luke 1:71), the moment we first believed and were sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13), and the forgiveness of sins (Luke 1:77). Salvation also includes the idea of a potential new experiential state of being in fellowship with God. Paul taught: “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation in fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). Paul said believers should have a hope for salvation (1 Thess. 5:8). Again, salvation was contrasted with the idea of avoiding wrath (1 Thess. 5:9).
Experiential salvation is obtained by progressive Kingdom Living, by means of the Spirit and faith in the truth (2 Thess. 2:13). Paul encouraged Timothy to pay close attention and persevere in his teaching because in this way, Timothy could ensure his own and his listeners’ salvation (1 Tim. 4:16). Paul taught Timothy that by the study of the sacred Word of God, the believer can “obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory” (2 Tim. 2:10). Paul also taught that the study of the Word gives the believer a “wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). When the believer drifts away from the walk of faith, he or she neglects a great salvation and becomes liable to the wrath of God (Heb. 2:1-4). Peter also taught that salvation is something we obtain through our walk of faith (1 Pet. 1:9). Peter taught that the believer should “long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it [we] may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2).
Therefore, in summary, when we first believed, we experienced a moment of salvation with fantastic consequences. Our destiny was forever changed. Instead of going to Sheol after death, we are guaranteed an immediate trip to Heaven. However, while we are still here in this present existence, we can also obtain a fantastic ongoing experiential salvation . This experiential salvation is obtained by walking by the Spirit, wherein the Word is a light to our feet, trusting in Christ Jesus, while having no confidence in our inherent capacity to live this supernatural way of being. In some verses, Salvation is a synonym for Kingdom Living or existence in the Kingdom of God. To experience this salvation, we must be obedient. The idea of Salvation emphasizes the idea of deliverance from the chaos, instability, and darkness of our fallen world. We should seek to avoid and escape the inevitable wrath directed at the disobedient. In this life, we can find and enjoy a place of refuge, peace, blessing and fellowship with God. Those who find this experiential place of salvation are promised fantastic blessings in this life and the next.
[1] “Continuum.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continuum. Accessed 21 January 2020.
[2] “G3123 – mallon – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3123&t=NASB>.
[3] “G684 – apōleia – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G684&t=NASB>.
[4] “G622 – apollymi – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G622&t=NASB>.
[5] “G4982 – sōzō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4982&t=NASB>.
[6] “G622 – apollymi – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G622&t=NASB>.
[7] “G622 – apollymi – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G622&t=NASB>.
[8] “G4982 – sōzō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4982&t=NASB>.
[9] “G5020 – tartaroō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5020&t=NASB>.
[10] “G1722 – en – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1722&t=NASB>.
[11] “G2424 – Iēsous – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2424&t=NASB>.
[12] “H3091 – Yĕhowshuwa` – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Feb, 2020. <https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3091&t=NASB>.
