Deliverance is a process, whether it is situational or ultimate. There were numerous times that God “delivered” Israel from their enemies (situational). See Joshua 6-Jericho, Judges 6 & 7-Gideon, 1 Samuel 17-David & Goliath.
Deliverance, as a Christian, from sin and from this life into the next (ultimate), is a process. The path of a Christian is called “The Narrow Way” that leads to life (eternal), Matthew 7:14. The path God designs for each of us is unique with respect to its length and experiences. It ends with our deliverance into the eternal kingdom of God.
Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” A living sacrifice refers to our way of living over time. We offer what we have—our time, talents, and resources—to serve God and others. This transformation into Christ’s likeness takes our entire lifetime.
1 Thessalonians 4:3
“It is God's will that you should be sanctified.” Sanctification means purification. It can take many years of walking as a Christian to achieve purification or holiness. “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. “ (2. Corinthians 7:1)
Matthew 24:12-13
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Standing firm unto the end implies that we work toward the goal of having perfect love, and then maintaining it even while all around us wickedness is increasing.
2 Peter 1:5-11
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness … knowledge … self-control … perseverance … godliness … brotherly kindness … love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “
Adding all of these aspects of Christian character to our lives could take many years. At the end of our Christian walk, we can look forward to entering into the joys that God has planned for us. Luke 21:28 states, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." The final deliverance, the death of the body and the resurrection, will happen instantaneously: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye. . .” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
