The title of this article may seem unnecessary and a question that is even strange, to most of us. However, it is a question that is getting a lot of attention these days. The first thing that needs attention, as one addresses the question: “What is meant by the words in the question.” When one understands the meaning of the words, a giant step has been taken in being able to answer the question. Therefore, this we shall do!
The first word to be studied is the last word in the question: “salvation.” Here are a few questions: 1) Is this salvation from past sins? 2) Is this salvation once and for all, as in “once saved always saved”? and 3) Is the salvation in the question a first step in a larger salvation? Now, let us look at each of these three questions.
First,” Is it salvation from past sins?” That a person who is lost, because of personal sins committed, needs forgiven; thus, salvation from past sins committed. This presupposes that such a one has committed sin. From out of the Old Testament comes this answer: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezel. 18:20). There are some who teach, “inherited sin,” but Ezekiel removes such teaching and would call such, false! However, he also makes it crystal clear, that the person who does sin shall die, as in spiritual separation from God! Paul pointed out: “For the wages of sin is death. ,,,” (Rom. 6:23). A separation from God! Paul would also tell us: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Here the apostle is using the word “all” in referring to both the Jew and the Gentile in the language of the day, he has summed up all people. Therefore, the person who has reached a time in life, that he understands the difference between right and wrong, at some point he will commit sin. It is necessary to know what sin is; therefore, John will answer: “All unrighteousness is sin: …” (1 John 5:17). Thus, we need to know what is “righteousness?” Once more the Old Testament will answer: “… for all thy (God, frw) commandments are righteousness” (119:172). Then, Paul would inform us when writing of the gospel of Christ, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed …” (Rom. 1:16-17). Sin is a transgression of the commandments of God; therefore, the person who has transgressed the commandment of God, has sinned and needs forgiveness, he needs salvation from sins commented! There is such a thing as “salvation” from past sins!
Second, is this salvation once and for all, as in once saved always saved?” Here recalling the words of the prophet, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” When one is forgiven, saved from past sins, does this put him in an eternal state of “salvation?” Let John answer: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Albert Barnes has well stated the case: “… the apostle affirms that it is a great elementary truth, which on no pretense is to be denied, that we are all sinners (That we have sinned, even after being forgiven of past sins. Understanding that there is a difference between the being “sinners,” ones who practiced sin and one having committed sin! FRW). We are at all times, and in all circumstances, to admit the painful and humiliating truth that we are transgressors of the law of God, and that we need, even in our best services, the cleansing of the blood of Jesus Christ.” The New Testament does not teach, “Once saved always saved!” Therefore, even after having obeyed the gospel, having been forgiven of past sins, we need forgiveness of the sins that we commit from time to time! Please note that John did not write, “If we say that we had not sinned”, but he wrote: “have no sin!” As in present tense.
Third, “Is the salvation in the question a first step in a larger salvation?” Yes! Here is where some fail in their understanding. Being saved from past sins, which takes place at the end of: 1) having heard the gospel of Christ, 2 believing the gospel of Christ, 3) repenting of our sins, having a change of mind about a life of sin, 4) in confessing that Jesus is Lord, we are making a vow to live a life where Jesus is our Lord, and 5) we arise and get ourselves baptized, with a view of to having our sins forgiven. In so doing we have: “… wash (washed, frw) away our sins, calling on the name of the Lord!” (Acts 22;16).
Having covered sin both past and present, though briefly, we are able to see that the word “salvation” is used while referring to the forgiveness of past sins! But, having also learned, that we may commit sin after having been saved from past sins, there is a second view to salvation. Therefore, the plan of salvation is larger than the forgiveness of past sins!
Frank R. Williams