Four Moments of Salvation

God calls us to become what He declares we already are.-Dan Holcomb

In Salvation there are four moments:

1. Eternally: We are elected in Christ.
• God chose us in him before the foundation of the world-Ephesians 1:4
• God predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will.-Ephesians 1:5
• God called us according to his own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.-2 Timothy 1:9
• We were chosen according to the foreknowledge of God our Father.-1 Peter 1:1-2
2. Historically: We are represented in Christ. God declares that whatever our representative, the Lord Jesus Christ, has accomplished, those who trust in him have also accomplished. Believers are considered by God:
• To have died with Jesus-Col. 3:3-4
• To be buried with Jesus-Romans 6:2-4
• To have risen with him-Romans 6:5-8
• From an historical perspective our salvation is a finished feat, accomplished by Jesus of Nazareth nearly two thousand years ago.
3. Presently: We are redeemed in Christ.
• Regenerated in Christ
• If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation-2 Cor. 5:17
• God made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace.-Ephesians 2:5
• For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.-Ephesians 2:10
• Justified in Christ
• There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.-Romans 8:1
• We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.-Ephesians 1:7
• Sanctified in Christ
• To those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus.-1 Cor. 1:2
• Adopted in Christ
• He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ.-Ephesians 1:5
4. Eschatologically: We are glorified in Christ.
• Believers "die in the Lord" (Rev. 14:13) and "sleep in Jesus" (1 Thess. 4:14).
• When the Lord returns "the dead in Christ will rise first" (1 Thess. 4:16).
• Believers will be resurrected in Christ.-1 Cor. 15:22
• Believers will be glorified in Christ.-Romans 8:17

We must remember that there is a now and not yet aspect to our salvation. The first two moments-eternal and historical-are objective and completed, while the second two-present and eschatological-are subjective and are yet to be completed. We end where we began with a quote, "God calls us to become what He declares we already are." Remember these truths and live in light of who God declares you to be.
*Lecture by Dr. Keathley October 25, 2011