Salvation

Salvation is presented in several different tenses in the New Testament. In some cases, it is spoken of as being in the present. In other cases, it is described as being in the future. Let us take a few moments to consider each of these ways salvation is presented, and see why this important subject is described in this way. It is also stated as being something God has done, and something we must do for ourselves. It is spoken of as being available. It is also offered as being conditional.

The Present:
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

I Corinthians 1:18

There is a sense in which those who have put on Christ (Gal. 3:27) are saved. We can have confidence that our soul is in a good standing with the Lord.

The Future:
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

I Thessalonians 5:8

Paul writes here, to those who are already Christians, that their salvation is a hope. You don't hope for something that is currently assured. There is very much a way in which we are not saved until judgment day, and are found to be following the Lord's will.

By God:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

Ephesians 2:8

We cannot be saved by our own virtue or hard work: only God has the power and ability to save us. We must be duly grateful for what the Lord has done for us.

By Ourselves:

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."

Acts 2:40

Although we cannot be saved without God, we are still required to put forth effort. God requires that we fear Him and do works of righteousness (Acts 10:34-35) as the conditions for receiving His gift.

Available:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

Titus 2:11

Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.

Romans 11:11

God has made salvation available to all. It has appeared/come to all men. Nonetheless, we know that not all men are in a saved condition (Matthew 7:13-14).

Conditional:
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

I Corinthians 15:1-2

In this, and other passages, we see an “if,” a condition attached to salvation. We can forfeit our salvation if we choose something over following Christ.