Unlearning The Division of Salvation | Dr. Randy White | June 10, 2023

In today’s “UnLearnIt” sermon, we question the traditional three-phase approach to salvation.

The Traditional Three-Phase Salvation

Traditional theology presents salvation in three phases, justified by certain texts: First, we have been saved (Ephesians 2:8) Second, we are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18.). Third, we will be saved (1 Peter 1:5).

I invite us to reconsider whether this standard teaching is a valid interpretation of Scripture. Just because something is often declared and has a proof-text, does not make it true.

The Ultimate Problems With The Traditional View

The three-phase salvation view raises questions that challenge its validity. First, can believers have assurance of salvation if it's phased, particularly if they haven't achieved significant "sanctification"? What is the standard for this progress?

Second, is all salvation "not of yourselves," as Ephesians 2:8-9 suggests? "Progressive sanctification" implies personal obedience, but if salvation is entirely God's work, lack of progress implies a lack of salvation. This uncertainty can make it difficult to assure new converts of their salvation, causing confusion.

Third, the three-phase process can lead to legalism, creating a list of rules to "win" at Christianity, leading to an invented legal standard, potentially by church authorities. This is contrary to the Bible's teaching of salvation by grace.

Lastly, the phased process can rob believers of the joy of their salvation, as they continuously strive for the next level of righteousness, rather than resting in Christ's finished work.

Considering The Proof-Texts

Let’s consider proof texts for each “phase” of salvation.

Justification

It is easy to find Biblical texts that use an aorist passive indicative (a statement of fact upon which the subject came or will at a point in time) for justification. See, for example, 1 Corinthians 6:11. It is also easy to find justification in a present passive indicative (a statement of fact that describes the person currently, with no regard to how they got to that point). See, for example, Acts 13:39. It is even possible to find justification in the future passive indicative, describing a future state. See, for example, Galatians 2:16. It is equally easy to find texts which have justification in the present passive participle, indicating an ongoing state. See, for example, Romans 3:24. Note that a participle expresses relation to the action of the verb and thus often becomes adjectival in form, especially when in the passive, describing the state in which the recipient of the verb currently exists. This is why some passages present justification as a completed state (Acts 13:30) and some present as an ongoing state (Rom. 3:24). To understand this fully, recognize this truth: the Greek participle does not, in itself, reveal whether the action of the verb is given in a “once for all time” condition or an ongoing continuing condition that could, conceivably, stop in the future. Rather the participle simply describes the condition of the recipient of the action at that point in time. Now, what is the purpose of all this grammar? It is to show you that, while traditional consensus uses proof-texts like Ephesians 2:8 to show justification as a past-tense completed once-for-all action, the grammar for “justification” could equally be used in a number of different ways. (See chart)

Sanctification

In the three-fold model of salvation, sanctification is typically described as an ongoing process of becoming free from the power of sin. While some use 1 Corinthians 1:18 as evidence of this, the King James Version does not support this interpretation. Instead, modern translations like the New King James Version use the phrase "who are being saved" to reflect the present passive participle tense of the verb "saved". However, as we learned earlier, this tense describes the subject's condition at a certain point in time and takes on an adjectival perspective. (see chart)

Glorification

Glorification is the ultimate fulfillment of salvation. We currently "walk by faith and not by sight," acknowledging that a future state of salvation is yet to come. While both justification and sanctification are gifts of God, it would be unreasonable to argue that glorification is the work of man. After all, without glorification, there can be no true salvation, and salvation can only come through grace - not any other means.

A Proposed View

I propose we understand salvation not as a three-phase process, but as an all-encompassing package of God's grace that we receive entirely upon acceptance. When we believe, God declares us righteous and sanctified—completely saved in His eyes. Regardless of whether we succeed or stumble in our Christian walk, we rest assured in the promise of ultimate glorification—our earnest hope and future reality.

This isn't to negate the importance of spiritual growth or obedience. On the contrary, recognizing our full salvation should inspire us to live lives that reflect our new identity in Christ. The challenge and beauty of the Christian journey lie not in earning our salvation but in responding to the vast love and grace already bestowed upon us.

So, instead of viewing sanctification as a process to attain full salvation, let's understand holy living as an ongoing response to the salvation we've already received. And when we inevitably falter, let's humbly acknowledge, "I am fully saved by the grace of Christ, and sometimes, I confess, my actions don't reflect this amazing truth."

By seeing salvation in this light, we can better appreciate the depth of God's love, the breadth of His mercy, and the transformative power of His grace—now and for all eternity.