Our Present Salvation

Target audience: women who mentor, guide, teach, or counsel other women

What are the implications of the biblical exposition of the respective lesson topic that should encourage women? What are the pitfalls when women ignore these biblical truths (particularly with respect for the social/economic dynamics of the women in our community)?

As we read Scripture, it is impossible to deny that God has set a high standard of behavior for those who claim to be saved—to have a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ. One of the most exacting is 1 John 2:6 which reads, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” While we might be intimidated by such a compelling mandate, we can also be reassured by the promises we find in His word. It is reassuring to know that God has given us everything we need for life in Him (2 Peter 1:3). At the moment of our salvation, He fully equipped us to live the life to which He called us. This was His choice. How we continue in our salvation—whether or not we will persevere through the mountains and valleys of His sanctification in a way that honors Him—is our choice.

For many of us, we simply ride along with life’s circumstances, putting out one fire and then another. “Trying to survive,” “hanging in,” and “holding on” are phrases we too often utter. Feeling powerless and ineffective are common complaints. But for all of our trials, it is reassuring to know that we are guaranteed victory when we submit to the will of God. This does not mean simply “doing the right thing” in a given moment, but reverting back to the old nature if we do not see an immediate move of God, or if it suits our whims at the time. It is truly becoming like Christ in that we reflect His virtues. We must get to the point that when we persevere through the opposition, we are not just performing an act of obedience, but we are obedient—just reflecting our new nature.

Despite the struggle, there is such good news in this! Christ Himself wants us to put on His likeness. Since it is His desire that we be transformed to His likeness, He will most certainly help us when we submit to His Lordship. Consider the words of Matthew 7:9-11: “

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

These gifts from God equip us to do His will. When we have truly accepted him for salvation, we are then positioned to walk out the life that He has chosen for us. Good news, indeed!