Four Stages of Salvation
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away and see, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)
We must strive to understand the full essence of salvation. Salvation encompasses both current and future realities. It is not merely a moment, but a continuous journey that stretches from the instant of redemption to the experience of the Lord's presence in eternity. The apostle Paul refers to the transformative moment when the old passes away and the new emerges. In contemplating salvation and this new state of life, we must acknowledge the four stages of salvation.
Regeneration. Regeneration is the initial event at salvation. Regeneration is the moment of transition when the old self passes away and the new self emerges. Regeneration occurs when the turning from sin and turning to the Lord occurs as one confesses Jesus Christ as one’s personal Lord and Savior.
Justification. Justification is not achieved through our logic or defense. We gain and become justified by Christ at the moment of salvation. Justification is not that we live perfectly but that we have been acquitted of our sinful guilt. When we are justified, we are brought into peace with the Lord.
Sanctification. Sanctification is the process by which we become more like Christ. It involves growing and being separated from the world for the Lord. Sanctification signifies maturing in our faith. We view sanctification as the journey of discipleship and disciple-making. This process does not happen in a single moment but continues throughout our entire lives.
Glorification. Glorification exists as the culmination of salvation. It encompasses the experience of transformation into a perfected state and the glorified body. Glorification is realized as living in the eternal presence of the Lord and experiencing the fullness of His eternal promises.
QUESTIONS
Why must we view salvation as a journey and not a simple moment?
When we consider the various stages of salvation, how do each of them support one another and motivate us to grow in our faith?
