Was saved, am being saved, will be saved (IV) I will be saved

I said at the beginning of this series of posts, that dividing salvation up into three components in this way is a little simplistic. The three parts are, in fact interrelated (they are a trinity), and together make up our great salvation. We look back to the cross and know that the work of our justification is finished (Mark 15:37). We live in the present being saved to bring in the Kingdom, and to be being changed from glory to glory looking unto Jesus, resting in the sure and living hope, of our future incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that is reserved in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3,4).

This is very different from living in the past, in the “good old days,” or even the in bad old days, being tortured either by what we did, or what was done to us. It is also different from being focused on the future, but living living lives of quiet (or not so quiet) desperation in the here and now. The Lord wants to bring us to the place where we can say with Paul “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Paul likely got to this place because of, not in spite of, the things he suffered. He saw his suffering as a refining fire cutting away everything that hindered in order that he might, in the here and now know Him “and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering” (Philippians 3:10). Still he knows that heaven is better by far (“is gain”), but because his ministry was not finished, he is content to remain (Philippians 1:24, 25; 4:11).

We can only think that “to die is gain” in a healthy way (as opposed to being suicidal), when first of all we have the assurance that “we are accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6), and are persuaded that “He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him” (2 Timothy 1:12). He is the One who ultimately keeps us! Secondly when we have the sure hope of the kind that passes behind the veil of what our physical eyes can see, and thus becomes an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19). I do not think we can get to this place unless and until we learn to forget those things that are behind, reach forward to those things which are ahead, and press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13,14).

Father, please bring us to the place where our ongoing relationship with You is so strong, and so real that we can indeed say “for me to live is Christ.” And Lord please also bring us into the place where we are so sure of the reality of who You are, and of Your promises that we can like Paul, in a healthy way say that to die is indeed gain. And Lord let the sure hope of heaven lead us to purify ourselves even as You are pure and we will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen