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What are the Three Tenses of Salvation?
1. Past Tense: I have been saved from the Penalty of Sin (Justification)
Justification is the primary step of salvation most people refer to when they speak about salvation. This part of salvation is in the past tense because it refers to the penalty of sin (death) that has already been paid by Jesus Christ’s atonement on the cross. It is a once and for all work in which God delivers a sinner from the penalty of sin. It can’t be earned by your own works or deeds. You are saved by God’s grace and your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior alone. Your position is in Christ. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:82. Present Tense: I am being saved from the Power of Sin (Sanctification)
Salvation doesn’t end with your past deliverance from the penalty of sin. God is also saving us in the present. It is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in delivering God’s people from the power of sin. This work is called sanctification and happens until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Your condition is becoming like Christ. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:183. Future Tense: I will be saved from the Presence of Sin (Glorification)
This future and final stage of salvation is equated with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It is God’s promise that He will deliver us from the presence of sin one day. We will be like Christ and will receive a glorified body like Christ and live with God forever. Your expectation is to be like Christ. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5:9-10Conclusion:
While there is only one salvation, it happens in three stages which are inseparable going from eternity past to eternity future. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 If you haven’t received salvation yet, it’s time to surrender your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!Download Free Graphics and Cards
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Find more Biblical Teachings about Salvation here
Welcome to Wisdom From Heaven, my Kingdom-focused online ministry rooted in Scripture.
My mission is to help you and your family live faithfully in God’s Kingdom through devotionals, homeschool resources, expressive & therapeutic arts, the classics, Kingdom Ministry training, and creation wonders. Through these devotional-style resources, I support your spiritual growth and provide guidance for Kingdom living in areas such as health and wellness, work, finances, relationships, marriage, family life, and parenting – always in alignment with the Word of God.
I’m a disciple and servant of Jesus Christ (Prophetic and Pastoral Scribe) sharing the Gospel online. I’m also a wife, mom, teacher, author, Christian Life Coach, Creative Entrepreneur, and Online Business Coach.
ABOUT OUR MINISTRY
We are a non-denominational Bible-believing Christian Ministry trained and equipped at the Christian Leaders Institute and Axx Bible College. Even though our Ministry is based on God's Word, the Bible, you need to approach our teachings like the Bereans and always study the Bible yourself to see if what we teach is aligned with what is written in the Bible.
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 NIV
We are only humans who 'stumble in many ways' (James 3:2) and we only 'know in part and we prophesy in part' (1 Corinthians 13:9).
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The content provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The blog owner, Janet Giessl, also known under her anointed pen name Janetta Setherah, is a Certified Christian Life Coach and Ordained Minister with the Christian Leaders Alliance and holds degrees in Education and Christian Leadership, along with credentials in Bible, Ministry, Philosophy, and Theology. However, Janet is not a medical doctor, licensed therapist or health care professional. The information presented on this platform is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any disease. It is essential to understand that the content offered here is not a substitute for professional advice, whether medical, legal, financial, or from any other professional field.
Spiritual matters and personal well-being are deeply personal and can have profound effects on individuals. We strongly recommend seeking guidance from qualified professionals and prayerfully considering your own circumstances when making significant decisions in your life. The content on this blog is meant to offer insights and inspiration based on biblical principles, but it is not a replacement for professional assistance or personalized advice.
Always consult with appropriate professionals for your specific needs and circumstances.
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT FOR QUOTING BIBLE VERSES FROM ESV
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT FOR QUOTING BIBLE VERSES FROM WEB
The World English Bible (WEB) is a Public Domain (no copyright) Modern English translation of the Holy Bible. That means that you may freely copy it in any form, including electronic and print formats. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version of the Holy Bible first published in 1901, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. It is in draft form, and currently being edited for accuracy and readability.
