Did Paul Teach We Are Saved or Being Saved?

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The debate over whether Paul taught that we are “saved” or “being saved” is a critical discussion in biblical theology. For centuries, believers have wrestled with this question, grappling with the apostle’s writings to understand the nature of salvation and its implications for our faith and daily lives. Did Paul emphasize salvation as a past event, a present process, or a future hope? Could the truth be more multifaceted than one perspective can capture?

If you’ve wondered about the tension between being saved by faith and the call to live a life of obedience and sanctification, this blog will provide clarity. By examining relevant scriptures, analyzing Paul’s context, and reconciling these perspectives, we aim to deepen your understanding of the gift and responsibility of salvation.

Let’s begin.

Understanding Salvation: Are You Saved or Being Saved?

Before we can address what Paul taught, we must define what “salvation” means in the context of scripture. Salvation involves three key stages of spiritual transformation and renewal:

Past Tense Salvation (Justification):

This is being saved from the penalty of sin. It refers to the moment an individual places saving faith in Christ and is justified by grace through faith. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). This is the foundation of salvation and speaks to the believer’s standing before God.

Present Tense Salvation (Sanctification):

This is the ongoing process of being saved from the power of sin. Sanctification involves a daily, Spirit-filled walk with God that transforms a believer’s character, actions, and thoughts. Philippians 2:12-13 captures this well, urging believers to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Future Tense Salvation (Glorification):

This is the ultimate salvation where we are finally saved from the presence of sin. It looks forward to the return of Christ when believers will be glorified and perfected. Romans 8:30 reflects this truth, saying, “And those whom he justified he also glorified.”

These three dimensions of salvation frame much of Paul’s teaching and demonstrate that salvation is both an event and a process.

Living Out Your Salvation

Paul’s teachings on salvation carry profound implications for how Christians should live. Consider the following:

• Pursue Holiness. Abstain from sin and actively seek to honor God with your body and spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).

• Rely on God’s Spirit. Walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh, allowing the Spirit to empower you to overcome sin (Galatians 5:16-17).

• Remain Faithful. Endure in faith until the end, knowing that perseverance is essential to receive the crown of life (James 1:12).

• Obey Christ’s Commandments. Obedience is the fruit of genuine faith and a vital marker of true discipleship (John 14:21).

Key Scriptural Passages on Salvation

Paul’s epistles are rich in teachings about salvation. Below are some of the most relevant passages:

Philippians 2:12-13: Work Out Your Salvation

Paul writes, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Here, Paul emphasizes the present aspect of salvation. Though salvation originates from God, believers are called to cooperate in the sanctification process by living in obedience and repentance.

Romans Chapter 12: Spiritual Worship and Transformation

“I appeal to you by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1-2). Paul teaches sanctification here, urging believers to actively resist conformity to the world and to pursue renewal and discernment. Salvation is transformation from the inside out.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 4: Sanctification and Holy Living

Paul states clearly, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Sanctification, a manifestation of present salvation, is not optional for believers. Abstaining from immorality and living in holiness are essential components of being saved.

Galatians Chapter 5: Walking by the Spirit

Walking by the Spirit is central to “being saved.” Paul exhorts, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16-17). Sanctification is God’s Spirit empowering believers to overcome sin and embody godly character.

Each of these passages serves as a critical piece in understanding Paul’s multi-faceted teachings on salvation.

Did Paul Teach Obedience Is Required to Be Saved?

The relationship between faith and obedience has long been debated. Some argue that Paul exclusively taught salvation by faith, while others highlight his emphasis on obedience as integral to salvation’s present and future aspects.

The Role of Faith:

Paul emphasizes repeatedly that justification comes through faith. For instance, “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Faith secures our legal standing before God, apart from our works.

The Role of Obedience:

While justification is by faith, Paul does not dismiss the necessity of obedience. Instead, sanctification, the ongoing process of “being saved,” requires a life surrendered to God completely, in obedience to His will and commands. Romans 6:22 reinforces this, stating, “But now that you have been set free from sin… the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”

Thus, obedience, fueled by the Spirit, authenticates living faith that justifies. True faith is not passive but actively demonstrated through a life of obedience to God’s will and commands. Paul does not separate faith from works but emphasizes their connection, showing that genuine faith naturally produces obedience that aligns with God’s will. This relationship reflects a faith that is alive and transformative.

Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Paul echoes this truth by warning believers against continuing in sin, stating, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived” (1 Corinthians 6:9).

Obedience to God’s Word is not an optional add-on; it evidences genuine faith. Those who continually and willfully live in sin while dismissing the call to holiness deceive themselves. Sin must die in the life of a believer; otherwise, no assurance of salvation can exist.

Exploring the Depths of Paul’s Teachings

Paul’s writings were deeply shaped by the historical and cultural context of his time. His audience included both Jewish and Gentile believers navigating a post-law, grace-filled salvation. Misinterpreting his writings outside this context has led to extremes that distort the intended balance of his message.

• On one hand, there is legalism, the belief that salvation can be achieved through works alone, placing an extreme emphasis on mankind’s effort while neglecting grace.

• On the other hand, there is antinomianism, the idea that salvation is achieved solely by faith alone, which dismisses the necessity of commanded obedience in the ongoing process of sanctification.

• Both legalism and antinomianism fail to reflect the holistic nature of his teachings, which emphasize both faith and obedience as complementary aspects of spiritual growth.

To truly understand Paul, we must see how his gospel celebrates grace while calling us to respond with faith and obedience — a response that fuels our ongoing sanctification and transformation.

Reconciling Saved and Being Saved

Rather than choosing between “saved” or “being saved,” Paul’s writings call believers to view salvation as a holistic process. Justification, sanctification, and glorification are interconnected works of God’s overarching plan of redemption. Neglecting any aspect leads to an incomplete understanding of salvation.

How This Insight Transforms Your Life

Recognizing salvation as a dynamic process has practical implications for how believers live. It removes complacency, encouraging growth. It also humbles us, for while obedience is required, we must rely on God’s power to accomplish it. Finally, it gives us hope, knowing that God will complete His saving work in us (Philippians 1:6).

Share the Gift of Salvation

Salvation isn’t just a theological idea or a single moment of faith — it’s a living faith, faithfully committed to God Almighty with all of our hearts. The completed work Paul taught (Philippians 1:6) is the core of a truly transformed life. By understanding that salvation encompasses being saved from sin, as long as we endure faithfully.

We are to surrender to the transforming work of God, and excitedly look forward to our inheritance and ultimate glorification. By doing the will of God Almighty with all of our hearts, obeying His commands, we can live out our faith with both confidence and assurance.

If this post has deepened your understanding, share it with others to spark meaningful conversations about salvation. Together, may we press on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!

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Before you leave, take a moment to reflect on the attributes of God’s love outlined below.

Attributes of God’s Love To All

• Unconditional in its offering: God’s love is available to all who wholeheartedly seek Him, and continue in obedience.
• Redemptive: God’s love has the power to cleanse sin and make you whole.
• Active: God’s love leads to life, demonstrated through the new life resurrection of Jesus Christ, as seen in John 3:16.
• Transformative: God’s love shapes believers into His ways, calling them toward perfection (Matthew 5:48).
• Remain in God’s Love: We must love God to remain in His love (Jude 1:21, John 15:9-10, I John 3:24, John 14:15, John 15:5-6)

Also, while you’re at it, take a moment to reflect on what it truly means to be set free from sin.

Truly Set Free From Sin

We can master sin according to God. Mastering sin is introduced in Genesis 4:7, where God speaks to Cain, saying, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” If we have been born again unto righteousness, then we are able to exercise self-control, resist sin as Jesus commanded, and willfully obey God’s commands, effectively mastering sin.

Furthermore, Jesus’ directive to “go and sin no more,” as recorded in John 8:11, offers valuable instruction. This statement clarifies that it is possible to obey God and overcome sin. Accomplishing this requires genuine repentance, relying on God’s power, not our own power, and commiting our wholehearts to do the will of God Almighty.

By nurturing a relationship with God, faithfully seeking guidance through prayer, and allowing God’s Spirit to transform our hearts, believers can live without succumbing to the constant temptation of sin that waits for everyone.

You’ve made it this far, why not take a moment to explore what Jesus says about being saved? It could change everything.

How To Be Saved According To Jesus

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

“Sirs, what ​must​ I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) That question, that has echoed in the hearts of men down through the ages, since the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas. It touches that universal wish in all of us to understand the meaning of our lives and to have hope for the future.

The response given by Paul and Silas is not complicated; they simply say, “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). So, what does it actually mean to believe in or to “believe on”? Check out this amazing article on How To Be Saved According To Jesus

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Our desire is to extend and share with others the love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness of God, which are available to all through faith in Him. Our goal is to encourage others to hold on to this message, enjoy the peace that comes from His promises, and find the pathway to life as we learn the Father’s ways and live by them.

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