| INSTANT AND ULTIMATE SALVATION |
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Memorise: “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). Read: Philippians 2:12-16 |
| There are two categories of salvation. The instant and the ultimate salvation. Every believer must experience both as they head towards the heavenly promised land. Instant salvation refers to a trip to the altar to surrender your life to Christ. Acts 16:31 says: “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house”. The moment you express faith in Jesus to save you from sin and yield your life to Him, you will instantly be saved. It is an immediate action. Some people say they are gradually being saved. How? They claim they once had 10 girlfriends but now it has reduced to one or two. Or that they used to chain-smoke in the past but now it has reduced to one or two sticks daily. That is not salvation. The first salvation every sinner receives on believing in Jesus is not progressive but instant. It is entirely the work of grace, not your effort. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselve it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instant salvation is a gift. You do not labour for a gift because it is freely given. You do not receive it because you know how to pray, fast, give alms or regularly attend church. It is not your works but a divine release of God’s mercy immediately you repent of sin, forsake it and surrender to Jesus. On the other hand, ultimate salvation is based on your daily works of righteousness from the day you received the instant salvation. Between instant and ultimate salvation you will have to contend with struggles, persecution, false accusation, mockery, storms of life, trials of faith, etc. Not everyone who received instant salvation will receive ultimate salvation because not everyone can meet up with the requirements for the latter. The former is an easier decision. The latter is a tougher decision. Philippians 2:12 says you must individually work towards this final salvation through godly fear and trembling at God’s word. One false indoctrination some Christians received was that the moment they are born again there would be no more problems. But Jesus said as long as we are here on earth there will be problems but we are already assured of victory. Your level of endurance counts if you must make it to heaven at last. Instant salvation is useless without the ultimate salvation. |
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Starting without finishing the Christian race is the greatest combination of wastage ever possible. Ask God for grace to finish strong. |
