It has been some time since I last presented the following. I encourage you to consider it prayerfully – even if it seems like an obvious truth. Ask the Father to give greater meaning to it, for you and those you love.

Much of our thinking is subconscious (i.e., we are not conscious of it). Our minds filter input through a paradigm that has been forming since before our birth. We should be suspicious of the way we think.

It is ironic that though life is a process, we give so much attention to events. It takes more mental energy to think of the process. Life is harder to consider than the events of birth, birthdays, graduation, death, and the multitude of events that lie in between.

But, it is the “in between” that matters most – the process of life that connects and blankets the events of our lives.

Generally speaking, the church has fallen victim to the same event-orientation – most damagingly in regards to salvation. Many think of salvation as the initial event – justification, reconciliation, and rebirth. Some would add the end – glorification. It seems very few talk about the in between; and I don’t mean sanctification – that is a different process altogether.

So, let’s look at the evidence of salvation as a process.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1Corinthians 1:18

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 2Corinthians 2:15

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:9-11

But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:13

As followers of Jesus Christ, we “have been saved”, we “are being saved” and we “shall be saved”. The implications of this are profound. For example, how do you answer the question: “When were you saved?”

It makes you think, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what the Lord is after – followers that will consider the truth.

I think I should close with this application. Many believe that the initial event of their salvation will accomplish the fullness of the process. Consequently, enduring to the end does not fit their paradigm of “being saved”. What if they unknowingly decide to avoid the enduring seasons?

Additionally, many in the church do not understand that “we shall be saved by His life”. An event will not save them, nor will a belief in that event. Salvation is the ongoing process of His life being manifested in us. It is His making us (grace), by our faith; and this, not of our selves.

It seems to me that this matter of salvation as a process should be discussed more often, and more broadly. The ramifications are significant. Eternal lives are hanging in the balance. Many are deceived.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob