33 Things that Happen at the Moment of Salvation

In last Sunday's conversation we noted that when Paul spoke of his "deliverance" (Philippians 1:19) he had in mind the "BIG PICTURE" of his salvation-- past, present and future.

Past tense:  Saved from the penalty of sin. (Ephesians 2:8)
Present tense: Saved from the power of sin. (Philippians 2:19)
Future tense: Saved from the presence of sin. (Matthew 10:22)

In Philippians 1:27 Paul writes, " Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." The KJV translates this phrase, "as it becometh the gospel." The root of this word traces back to "the balance of a scale" meaning literally we are to align our character (or conduct) with the weight of our call.

Understanding the benefits that are ours through the gospel is a great motivation for obedience. Theologian Lewis Sperry Chafer outlined 33 "riches of grace" that are "wrought of God... instantaneous... simultaneously given... and are ground on the merit of Christ" the moment of our salvation. 

1)  Forgiven
2)  Child of God
3)  Having access to God
4)  Reconciled
5)  Justified
6)  Place "in Christ" 
7)  Acceptable to God
8)  Heavenly citizenship
9)  Of the family and household of God
10)  An heavenly association
11)  Within the "much more" care of God
12)  Glorified
13)  In the fellowship of the saints
14)  On the rock, Christ Jesus
15)  A part in the eternal plan of God

16)  Redeemed 

17)  A living relationship with God
18)  Free from the law
19)  Adoption
20) Brought near
21)  Delivered from the power of darkness
22)  Entrance into a new kingdom
23)  A gift from God the Father to Christ
24)  Circumcised in Christ
25)  Members of a royal and holy priesthood
26)  A chosen generation, a holy nation, a peculiar people
27)  His inheritance
28)  The inheritance of the saints
29)  Light in the Lord
30)  United to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
31)  Blessed with the first-fruits fo the Spirit
32)  Complete in Him
33)  Possessing every spiritual blessing 

To dig deeper into these works of grace I recommend the devotional written by Dann Spader and published by Sonlife, Thirty-three Things That Happen at the Moment of Salvation. This devotional booklet can be purchased here. 

You can read Lewis Sperry Chafer's commentary on these 33 works of God that happen the moment of salvation here. 

Jefferson Bethke's Video

When Paul writes of his “deliverance” in Philippians 1:19 he used the word “sōtēria” (salvation) meaning to be set free or rescued. On Sunday to emphasize the point that what Paul has in mind here is so much greater than “religion” I used Jefferson Bethke’s video/poem, Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus.

You can watch other Jefferson Bethke You Tube videos here.

You can get a free download of the first chapter of his book Jesus > Religion here.

Fight for Joy: Philippians 1:13-26 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 1:21 the Apostle Paul declares, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  He lived with the reality that any day might bring him either release from prison (Philippians 1:26) or death as a martyr. Paul, more than most, knew the glories that awaited him with Jesus (Psalm 16:11). As much as he longed to be with his Savior, he wanted to make the most of his life by making much of Jesus. Paul fought for joy through making “Jesus choices.”

“For me to live is Christ”-- What do the following Scriptures reveal about Paul’s desire to live for Christ?

Acts 26:12-18--

Romans 1:13-15; 9:1-5--

1 Corinthians 15:58--

Colossians 4:3-4--

“And to die is gain”-- What do the following Scriptures reveal about Paul’s future hope in Christ?

1 Corinthians 15:50-57--

2 Corinthians 12:2-4--

Titus 2:13--

Application

Read Jesus’ call to discipleship in Mark 8:34-38. In what ways is Jesus calling you to “lose your life”? Practically speaking, what would it look like for you to live day to day with the attitude, “To live is Christ and to die is gain”?

Memorize This

Philippians 1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. © HCSB

Philippians 1:21- For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. KJV