There is no weakness nor incompleteness in God's salvation. It saves to “the uttermost.” Heb. 7:25. Salvation is so complete that man requires no additional cleansing or purifying to fit him for heaven.
The salvation to which the apostle had attained made him “ready to be offered.” There is no cleansing beyond the gates of death, but in this life we are commanded to make ready. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” This text proves the efficacy of the blood or the completeness of salvation.
Also the following texts magnify the preciousness and perfectness of redemption: “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.” Ezek. 36:25. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psa. 51:7. “Ye are complete in him.” Col. 2:10. “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [pg 060] our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. It is sin that excludes us from heaven. It is salvation that saves us from sin, therefore we, when saved, are ready for that better land.
Future Salvation.
There are a few texts of Scripture which teach a salvation yet in the future. “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Mat. 10:22. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Phil. 2:12. These texts do not prove that there is no salvation only at the end of human life, else what could be the meaning of the many texts that speak of a present salvation? These two texts are very easily harmonized with those teaching a present experience of saving grace.
As long as we are in this world it is possible for us to lose our salvation. Though we are now saved from sin by grace it is possible for us to be overtaken in some way and lose this experience. As long as we are here we must endure temptation. But if we endure unto the end when this mortality puts on immortality we pass beyond the possibility of losing salvation, hence, we are saved eternally. By resisting temptation, by praying and watching, we “work out our salvation.” The time comes when there are no [pg 061] more temptations to resist, and we are safe and saved forever.
I am saved now from all sin, but to keep this experience I must watch, pray, work, resist and endure unto the end of my life, and then my salvation receives the seal of eternity—saved in glory forever. Amen.
Wonders Of Salvation.
When man the wonders of creation
Beholds in deepest contemplation,