The 3 Parts of Salvation

If you’ve been around church for any amount of time, you’re familiar with the idea of salvation. Did you realize your salvation has 3 parts?

I think a lot of times our understanding of salvation is very shallow.

I can remember when I thought salvation was a “one time” decision. But as I began studying God’s Word and reading about the doctrine of salvation, I quickly realized there was so much more.

But before we dive in, if you haven’t already, make sure to grab my free resource, “A Beginner’s 5-Step Guide to Bible Reading,” so you can start reading the Bible today – no matter what book of the Bible you’re reading in.

As Christians, we should be growing in our knowledge of God.

This shouldn’t be something we do begrudgingly, but with earnestness and excitement (and of course, discipline).

I can remember when I first began to learn of the deeper doctrine of salvation, my mind was blown.

It made so much sense to me! And it stirred my love for God and His salvation given to me!

The 3 Parts of Salvation

So if you’re a Christian, you have received salvation, the free gift of God.

But what does that mean? Saved from what?

For years, my answer to the question, “What are you saved from?” was simply, “Saved from my sin.”

But let’s unpack exactly what that means.

The book of Romans tells us that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and the wages of sin is death.

So as sinners, we all deserve death. Not only death, but we deserve the wrath of God for the sin we commit against Him.

So looking at salvation, what am I saved from? Let’s look at this closely.

Justification

The first part of our salvation is called “Justification” – the moment Christ saved you. This happens in an instant.

When Christ saves you, in that moment you are saved from the penalty of sin.

This means you are saved from the wrath of God, because you are under the blood of Jesus. He already paid the penalty for your sin.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Sanctification

The second part of salvation is called sanctification. This is the work of the Holy Spirit making you to be more like Christ for the rest of your time here on earth.

This means you are being saved from the power of sin.

You are no longer under the power of sin or your fleshly desires. The Holy Spirit lives in you and helps you overcome sin. You won’t do this perfectly, but you have the ability.

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Hebrews 13:12

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Glorification

Lastly, we have Glorification.

When your salvation is made complete, and you are with Christ, you will be saved from the very presence of sin.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

Conclusion

Our salvation has 3 parts and by looking closely, we can be reassured of our hope in Christ!

Justification is being saved instantly from the penalty of sin.

Sanctification is being saved from the power of sin.

Glorification is being saved from the very presence of sin.

We’ll chat soon,

Shai