Simple Salvation

Read

John 4:14-15 “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. ‘The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’”

Think

Salvation is the heart of the Christian faith, a profound and transformative gift from God. In Wayne Grudem’s Bible Doctrine, salvation is described as the umbrella process that involves justification, sanctification, and glorification. It’s more than just a ticket to heaven; it’s about being made right with God, growing in holiness, and ultimately being perfected in his presence. This incredible journey begins when you completely believe in Jesus as Lord.

Think about the story of the woman at the well in John 4. She was living a life filled with broken relationships and societal shame. When she encountered Jesus, he offered her "living water," transforming her life forever. Jesus revealed her past sins, but he spoke to her with compassion and truth. Her encounter with Jesus led to immediate transformation—she returned to her village to share the good news. This is the essence of justification—being declared righteous because of what Jesus did, not because of anything we’ve done.

Sanctification, the next step, is an ongoing process. It’s about becoming more like Christ each day. Philippians 1:6 reassures us, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God is continually at work in us, shaping our character, guiding our decisions, and helping us grow in love, patience, and faith. This process of becoming more like Jesus is a daily journey of transformation.

The final stage is glorification, which will happen when we are united with Christ in eternity. Revelation 21:4 paints a beautiful picture of this future: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This promise gives us hope and assurance that the struggles and pains of this life are temporary, and that we have a glorious future awaiting us with God.

Apply

Think about your journey of salvation. Identify areas where you have experienced God’s justification and consider how he works in your life through sanctification. Share your story with someone this week, explaining how God’s grace has transformed you.

Pray

God, thank you for the gift of salvation. Help me to understand and appreciate the depth of your love and grace. Continue to work in my life, shaping me into the person you want me to be. Give me the courage to share my story with others so they too can experience your transforming love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.