Vol.II No.X Pg.4
November 1965

Use Your Bible . . . . . .

Robert F. Turner

SAVED, NOW AND AFTER-A-WHILE

1. A Baptist debater once charged: "You can't preach a 'now' salvation." He believed "once saved, always saved." 2. Young lady questioned a public prayer containing the expression, "-- and save us after-a-while." She asked, "Why not now?" 3. Failure to recognize that salvation may be used in two ways: a. FROM past sins, now; b. Ultimate salvation IN heaven.

NOW LATER Acts 2:47 'were being saved" (ASV) Rom.8:24 "saved by hope" -- not seen. 1 Cor.1:18 "us who are saved" 1 Cor.3:15 "he-- shall be saved," 2 Cor.2:15 "them that are saved" 1 Tim.4:16 "thou shalt - save thyself" 2 Tim.1:9 "who hath saved us" Jas.5:20 "save a (brother's) soul" No conflict in these passages. Some refer to salvation from sins, brought into covenant relationship with God: while others refer to final redemption in heaven, at the conclusion of a faithful life of service.

Old Testament Illustrations Ex. 14:13 "Stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah---today." a. Refers to salvation FROM Egyptian, in the crossing of red sea. b. Some forty years later, they were "saved" in Canaan Land. * Many who crossed sea, did not enter Canaan. 1 Cor.10:1-12 May be "saved" from past sins, yet miss heaven. 2 Pet.2:1 Some "bought" (by Christ's blood) deny their Lord. Bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Pet.2:20-22 Heb.3:6 We are Christ's house "if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." Heb.3:12 "Take heed, brethren,------------departing from God" Some say "Believer is sealed against loss by God's "SHALL NOT." (Jn.5:24) But unbeliever also sealed against salvation by same words. (Jn.3:36) BOTH----CAN CHANGE THEIR OWN STATUS