IMO, these are the major ABC’s of the salvation process …
A -- INITIATION
The popular NT verses, such as John 3:16, are innocent little hooks
to catch the little fishes! … Several NT verses reveal that God gives
certain people the necessary seed of faith to enable them to believe
in Jesus and His gospel, and they are given the precious Holy Spirit
to live inside of them. Wow, this salvation stuff is really neat, isn’t it.
This initial stage is called “positional sanctification”. The foot is in
the door, so to speak, now it’s time to progress further …
B -- REVELATION
The Holy Spirit was sent to teach and guide believers into “all things”
(John 14:26,16:13) and to help them along the way as they progress.
This second stage is called “progressive sanctification”.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
The Holy Spirit tries to teach, and IF believers are willing to receive it,
more revelation is given regarding what God requires of them. Yes,
it is possible to be estranged from Christ and fall from grace (Gal 5:4),
and therefore to have received the grace of God in vain (2 Cor 6:1).
Many verses spell out what God requires in the way of co-operation …
C -- OBEDIENCE
These instructions to believers refer to eternal life and death:
“… you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading
to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness” (Romans 6:16)
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit
you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13)
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows,
that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh
reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap
everlasting life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)
Yes, this living according to the Spirit involves discipline and obedience.
There are several verses pertaining to each of the following major topics.
IF believers do these, it proves they are on the narrow path to salvation:
• doing God’s will (this involves all of the following topics)
• having a “knowing” relationship with Father God and Jesus
• doing good works-deeds towards the poor and needy
• practicing righteousness
• being obedient to Jesus’ commands
• refusing to be a habitual unrepentant sinner
• living a life of sincere repentance over sins
• living a dedicated and holy life
• being an overcomer (as Jesus overcame)
• enduring in the faith until the end of life
The Key is to understand what true repentance is, and to live
a life of repenting over sins and failures to do all of the above.
It is not all the bed of roses that the OSAS doctrine teaches.
So, don’t be deceived, dozens of NT verses teach against it.
“… we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs
of God and joint heirs with Christ, IF indeed we suffer with Him,
that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:16-17)
“I (Paul) have had one message for Jews and Gentiles alike –
the necessity of turning from sin to God
through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21, TLB)
