Our Biblical Resources Group continues to make progress on our paper about salvation. A section of the paper talks about the three tenses of salvation.
Someone might ask, “Are you saved?” The biblical answer to that question for believers is: “Yes, I have been saved; yes, I am being saved; and yes, I will be saved.” According to God’s Word, salvation occurs in three tenses. Dr. Ryrie explained:
The inclusive sweep of salvation is underscored by observing the three tenses of salvation. (1) The moment one believed he was saved from the condemnation of sin (Eph. 2:8; Titus 3:5). (2) That believer is also being saved from the dominion of sin and is being sanctified and preserved (Heb. 7:25). (3) And he will be saved from the very presence of sin in heaven forever (Rom. 5:9-10).
The past tense aspect of salvation is known as justification. Justification takes place at a moment in time when a sinner trusts Christ for salvation. By means of justification, the one who trusts Christ as Savior is saved from the penalty of sin which is eternal separation from God. Justification is by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (See Acts 16:31).
The present tense aspect of salvation is known as progressive sanctification. This is a process that occurs over a period of time as the believer walks by faith in God’s Word by means of the Holy Spirit. Through progressive sanctification, believers are saved from the power of sin in their lives as they rely upon the Spirit and abide in Jesus as the Vine. Progressive sanctification is by God’s grace through daily dependence on the Lord via the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 6:1-14; 8:1-4).
The future tense aspect of salvation is known as glorification. When believers ultimately stand complete in heaven, they will be delivered from the very presence of sin.
Unless people understand these three tenses of salvation, it is easy to complicate the message of the gospel. Often preachers confuse the requirements of discipleship (the second tense of salvation) with the requirements for justification (the first tense of salvation). The only requirement for justification is faith alone in the finished work of Christ. In contrast, there are many requirements for discipleship.
Our paper on salvation tries to bring some clarity to issues such as this.
Blessings,
Bob
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A call ... for Christian discernment must now be extended; for truly, the battle for the Gospel of the grace of God has come upon us once again. New attention must be paid on the part of individual Christians to sound doctrine and good theology. The beginning of this attention must surely be on the question “what must I do to be saved?” The resounding answer must always and ever be no more and no less than the stunning and surprisingly simple truth “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31) —Dave Breese
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