Salvation involves the redemption of the whole
man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,
who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its
broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and
glorification.
Regeneration, or the new birth, is a
work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It
is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to
which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from
sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the
entire personality to Him as Lord and Savior. Justification is God's gracious
and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who
repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a
relationship of peace and favor with God.
Sanctification is the experience,
beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes,
and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the
presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should
continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
Glorification is the culmination of
salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Courtesy of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
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