The “paradigm of salvation” 544 - 1 - 5

The Paradigm of Salvation with thanks to Earl D. Rachmacher:

“I have been saved;

I am being saved;

and I will be saved.”

There are three tenses to salvation.

Past tense, justification is a free gift provided by the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross. When Jesus said it is finished (tetelestai), it was finished. To add to this is trying to do it our way by works; trying to reconcile ourselves to God and marginalizing the gift of grace. Jesus was the propitiation which afforded us reconciliation to our righteous God.

Present tense, Sanctification removes us from the power of sin. CM asked, “You’ve been saved, now what are you doing with it?” With sanctification, we are a work and process as we try to become more Christ like in our behavior.

In his commentary “Inheritance & Rewards” CM points out that all believers are not going to be equal in heaven. He adds that there a difference between overcoming sin and bearing fruit and that there is a difference between “entering” the Kingdom and “inheriting.” The goal is to become a partaker with Jesus, a metachoi in word and deed. This includes witnessing and bringing others into the kingdom.

From his writing even Paul was concerned that he might not have done enough as a partaker. 1 Corinthians 9:27, "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached (G2784) to others, I myself should be a castaway (G96)."

Future tense, Glorification removes us from even the presence of sin. The wonderful news is that all believers will be resurrected/ glorified and given a body like Christ. However, rewards and inheritance will be determined what we get is a partaker with Christ during our incarnation.

Crowns are promised to those who are/ were metachoi of Jesus.

• Crown of Life for those who have suffered for His sake.

• Crown of Righteousness for those who loved His appearing.

• Crown of Glory for those who fed the flock.

• Crown Incorruptible for those who press on steadfastly.

• Crown of Rejoicing for those who win souls.

In my personal walk with the Lord in I’m trying very hard to be a partaker with Him. I can recall when I was nearly embarrassed to mention the name Jesus around family and friends. The use of the word God was acceptable, however, saying Jesus seemed to be a bridge too far. Now as the song on the album Jerusalem Homecoming goes, "Can't Stop Talkin' About Him."

Jesus suffered greatly and then gave up his spirit into the hands of God. I will be eternally grateful to Jesus for reconciling me with a righteous God before whom I otherwise could never stand. Jesus indeed stood in the gap.

G2784

κηρύσσω

kērussō

kay-roos'-so

Of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel): - preach (-er), proclaim, publish.

G96

ἀδόκιμος

adokimos

ad-ok'-ee-mos

From G1 (as a negative particle) and G1384; unapproved, that is, rejected; by implication worthless (literally or morally): - castaway, rejected, reprobate.