Have you ever been asked this question? On one level, it’s asking something very simple – have you responded to the Gospel by turning from your sins and putting your trust in Christ?
But as you dig into the way the Bible talks about salvation in general, it becomes less easy to answer. Because in general, the Bible speaks of three tenses to salvation. Past present and future. It is, at one and the same time, a past event, something with is currently going on in me, and something which I am waiting to receive in the New Creation.
We discussed this question on a men’s weekend away I was part of recently. So for my brothers who struggled to remember the difference and the significance of the three tenses of salvation, I offer a simple summary in the table below. Enjoy!
| Tense | Past: "I have been saved" | Present: "I am being saved" | Future: "I will be saved" |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bible ref | Ephesians 2 v 8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." | 1 Corinthians 1 v 18 "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." | 1 Thessalonians 5 v
9 "For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| From what? | The Penalty of sin | The Power of sin | The Presence of sin |
| Theologically known as ... | Justification | Sanctification | Glorification |
| So what? |
|
|
|
Q: Are you saved brother?
A: I was, I am being, one day I will be!
Tim Thornborough founded The Good Book Company in 1991. Today his roles include Chairing The Good Book Company Trust and working with the Rights team to grow TGBC's international reach. He is the author of The Very Best Bible Stories series and has contributed to many books published by TGBC and others. Tim is married to Kathy, and they have three adult daughters.
