The New Testament contains a warning passage about how one responds to God’s provision of salvation. That passage in Hebrews 2:1–4 calls it a “great salvation” (v. 3). One way of grasping its greatness is to ponder three important biblical terms used to refer to salvation.
Regeneration
Regeneration is a single term that points us to the outset of our salvation. Titus 3:5 reminds us that this salvation is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
We often speak of regeneration as being “born again.” This experience of being made alive spiritually requires the double-pronged action of repentance and faith.
Regeneration establishes a new relationship of peace with God. Another way of expressing it is reconciliation with God. This newness of life with its new relationship with God brings immediate and eternal salvation.
Regeneration also makes a repentant sinner a child of God. The New Testament terms this as being born again or born anew. This was Christ’s way of putting it to Nicodemus as recorded in the opening verses of the third chapter of the Gospel of John when He declared, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (v. 3).
Sanctification
Sanctification is a term that speaks of the process of the Christian life which begins with regeneration. This term points to a forgiven sinner being set apart to God and His purposes. It also points to a progression in holiness of life or godliness.
Such progression or spiritual growth is made possible internally by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit as He enables forgiven sinners to order their lives according to the Word of truth. We often speak of this as growth in Christlikeness.
Glorification
The ultimate result of being born again and growing in holiness of life can be spoken of as glorification. This is the grand climax of salvation. It is not achieved in this life, but happens when a Christian passes through death into the eternal presence of God in heaven.
We might think of glorification as both becoming fully like a Person and being finally in a Place. The Person, of course, is none other than Christ. Christlikeness is finally and fully realized when a believer passes from earthly life into heavenly life. The Person whose likeness believers are destined to realize in none other than Christ Jesus.
These three aspects of salvation allows a genuine Christian to testify, “I have been saved, I am being saved, and I will be saved.”
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