Finish Your Course!
In second Timothy 4, Paul explains that we need to fulfill salvation, by running the race.
Run the race – 2 Timothy 4:6-8, NET©
6 For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand.
7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!
8 Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day– and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.
We who have received the salvation must be aware that we are on a journey. This trip consists of:
- Fight the good fight
- Complete the race
- Preserve your faith
Once Saved, Always Saved?
13 But the person who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13, NET©
Once saved always saved!? Is this statement correct? Just because you received salvation once, does that mean that you always will remain saved?
The greatest lie within the church, and especially within the evangelical church community, is that you remain saved just because you once prayed the salvation prayer.
The bible clearly states; that the one that endures to the end will be saved, not the one who gives up, or who stops walking the narrow path.
The Good Will of God
12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort– for the sake of his good pleasure– is God. Philippians 2:12-13, NET©
It is the good will of God that we should be saved! It is God who through his grace works salvation in us. But this working within us has no effect, unless we are obedient to God.
God is the one who judges us, we must obey and fear God. We are commanded to work on our salvation. Not so that we have any opportunity to earn salvation. But it is up to us to be cooperative with God so that his good will can happen.
Sanctification Through the Truth
13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2 Thessalonians 2:13, KJV
It is determined by God that we should be saved. For this to happen, we need to believe the truth. When we believe the truth, we will be sanctified by the Spirit.
There is a connection between completing salvation and being sanctified by the Spirit through the truth. As we learn and understand the truth, the Holy Spirit can work salvation in us through the process of sanctification.
Preserved Unto Salvation
5 who by God’s power are protected through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:5, NET©
God will, through faith, preserve us with his power to fulfill salvation. He is the only one that is mighty to do that.