When Were You Saved?
We all have heard the question, "when were you saved?". Maybe we have been in church services when everyone stood and stated when they were saved. This question assumes a person's eternal salvation is dependent on a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as Savior at some specific point in time. Is this a true Bible teaching? I realize that the following answer to this question will be very controversial, but I do think it is based on scriptural teaching.
The Apostle Paul never spoke of making a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ in order to obtain eternal life. Let's take a look at what he did say about all those who would experience salvation.
(1) Paul tells us that Christians were saved from sin before the world began. This salvation is from the PLAN of sin.
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2 Tim. 1:9
(2) Paul tells us that Christians were saved from sin when Christ Jesus died on the cross of Calvary. This is salvation from the PENALTY of sin.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Tim. 1:15
(3) Paul tells us that Christians are saved from sin when the Holy Spirit regenerates us and gives us a new nature. This is salvation from the POWER of sin.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5
(4) Paul tells us that Christians are saved from sin whenever they keep in memory of the gospel that was preached. This is salvation from the PRACTICE of sin.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 1 Cor. 15:1-2
(5) Paul tells us that Christians aren't saved yet, but that we will be completely saved from sin some day in the future. This is salvation from the PRESENCE of sin.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11
These passages from the writings of Paul which, of course, are Holy Scripture illustrate the work of salvation from five different perspectives. They are five phases of God's glorious salvation from sin through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Apostle Paul never spoke of making a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ in order to obtain eternal life. Let's take a look at what he did say about all those who would experience salvation.
(1) Paul tells us that Christians were saved from sin before the world began. This salvation is from the PLAN of sin.
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2 Tim. 1:9
(2) Paul tells us that Christians were saved from sin when Christ Jesus died on the cross of Calvary. This is salvation from the PENALTY of sin.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Tim. 1:15
(3) Paul tells us that Christians are saved from sin when the Holy Spirit regenerates us and gives us a new nature. This is salvation from the POWER of sin.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5
(4) Paul tells us that Christians are saved from sin whenever they keep in memory of the gospel that was preached. This is salvation from the PRACTICE of sin.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 1 Cor. 15:1-2
(5) Paul tells us that Christians aren't saved yet, but that we will be completely saved from sin some day in the future. This is salvation from the PRESENCE of sin.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11
These passages from the writings of Paul which, of course, are Holy Scripture illustrate the work of salvation from five different perspectives. They are five phases of God's glorious salvation from sin through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Special thanks to http://www.letgodbetrue.com