This transcript was generated automatically. Its accuracy may vary
Short Summary
The discourse explores the concept of salvation as presented in the Bible, emphasizing that salvation is a multi-faceted plan of God involving both a heavenly and an earthly salvation. It highlights that salvation is a universal opportunity made possible through Jesus Christ, with distinct promises and outcomes for a spiritua...
This transcript was generated automatically. Its accuracy may vary
Short Summary
The discourse explores the concept of salvation as presented in the Bible, emphasizing that salvation is a multi-faceted plan of God involving both a heavenly and an earthly salvation. It highlights that salvation is a universal opportunity made possible through Jesus Christ, with distinct promises and outcomes for a spiritual “heavenly” class and the broader “earthly” class, each receiving different rewards and judgments according to their faith and obedience. The message underscores the harmony of these two salvations within God’s plan, encouraging believers to appreciate the depth of the gospel and the inclusive nature of God’s promise for everlasting life.
Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse on “The Gospel of Your Salvation”
Introduction and Theme Scripture
– The discourse is part of a “Faith Foundation” series focusing on fundamental doctrines, specifically salvation.
– Central scripture: Ephesians 1:13 (NIV) — “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.”
– Emphasizes salvation as the ultimate revelation of God’s plan through the “word of truth.”
Understanding Salvation
– Salvation is often misunderstood; for example, extending life (as with a saved child) is not true salvation.
– Common questions posed by nominal Christianity:
– Are you a Christian?
– Is Jesus your Savior?
– Are you going to heaven?
– Their view often depicts salvation as an instant, completed decision.
– Biblical words related to salvation:
– *Yasha*: deliverance, liberty, safety
– *Yeshua*: victory (noun)
– *Teshua*: to rescue
– *Sotera*: preservation
– Thus, salvation includes multiple dimensions and aspects.
Biblical Promises and Necessity of Salvation
– Romans 5:21 — “Sin hath reigned unto death… grace might reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”
– The “ransom” concept: a perfect man (Christ) redeems all mankind for everlasting life.
– Ecclesiastes 3:11–12 — God has “planted eternity in the human heart,” explaining mankind’s innate longing for eternal life, though people cannot fully see God’s plan.
– Luke 19:10 — “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
– 1 Corinthians 15:22 — “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
– Romans 5:12,18 — Sin and death entered through Adam, condemning all; justification and life come through one righteous act (Jesus).
– Death is universal due to sin; many misunderstand this, assuming all are immediately in heaven after death.
Salvation is for All, But Not Universalism
– John 5:28–29 — All in graves will hear Christ’s voice and be resurrected.
– Isaiah 40:5 — “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”
– Salvation is universal in opportunity, not unconditional; free will and obedience are required.
– Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.”
– Salvation is an opportunity for everlasting life, not a guaranteed unearned reward.
Two Salvations: Heavenly and Earthly
– 2 Timothy 1:10 — Jesus “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
– Genesis 22:17–18 — Promise to Abraham: “seed as stars of heaven” and “as sand on the seashore,” blessing all nations.
– Galatians 3:16, 18, 26–27 — The heavenly promise is for those “baptized into Christ,” the spiritual seed and heirs.
– Isaiah 45:18 — Earth formed to be inhabited, indicating an earthly salvation.
– Matthew 6:10 — “Thy kingdom come… on earth as it is in heaven,” showing two realms.
– Isaiah 52:10 — “All ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God,” emphasizing inclusivity.
Harmonizing Two Covenants and Two Salvations
– Galatians 3:27–29 — Baptized believers are Abraham’s seed, heirs to the promise.
– Hebrews 8:8,10 — New covenant: God’s laws written on hearts, making people His.
– Matthew 7:14 — The “narrow way” leads to life; few find it now, but in the kingdom, a “highway” (Isaiah 35) will be there for all to come back to God.
– Currently, Christians “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:6–7; Galatians 2:20).
– In the future kingdom, people will “walk by sight” (Hebrews 8:11), fully knowing God (Habakkuk 2:14).
Two Types of Life and Bodies
– 2 Peter 1:4 — Believers partake of the divine nature, a death-proof life.
– Romans 5:21 — Eternal life is through Christ.
– Mark 10:30 — Promise of eternal life in “the world to come.”
– 1 Corinthians 15:40,44,49 — Distinction between natural (earthly) bodies and spiritual (heavenly) bodies.
– “Celestial” and “terrestrial” bodies correspond to heavenly and earthly salvations.
Two Offices and Two Judgments
– Revelation 20:6 — Those in the first resurrection are priests and reign with Christ for 1,000 years.
– Isaiah 65:21; Micah 4:4 — Earthly dominion includes enjoying the earth’s blessings.
– 1 Peter 4:17 — Judgment begins with God’s household (the church).
– Acts 17:31; Isaiah 26:9 — Future judgment of the world.
– Two resurrections:
– First resurrection: Christ and the faithful (1 Corinthians 15:22–23; Revelation 20:6).
– Second resurrection: the rest of mankind (John 11:24).
Clarifying Salvation Through Scriptural Harmony
– Colossians 1:20 — God will reconcile all things, both earthly and heavenly.
– Hebrews 11:39–40 — The faithful of old did not receive the promises in their lifetime; God provided something better for the present faithful so all may be made perfect together.
– The “mystery” of salvation is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:23).
– 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Being in Christ makes one a new creature.
– Salvation requires informed consent and dedication.
The Good News and Universal Plan
– Everyone is included in God’s plan of salvation.
– The ransom and resurrection apply to all humanity.
– There will be one religion under one Lord.
– 1 Corinthians 15:49–50 — Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom; only those transformed will receive the heavenly reward.
– Ephesians 1:13–14 — Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, marking the spiritual calling.
– 2 Peter 3:13 — Promise of “a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
– Daily prayer reflects the desire for God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven.
– Glory to God is emphasized as the source and goal of salvation.
Key Bible Verses Cited:
– Ephesians 1:13
– Romans 5:21
– Ecclesiastes 3:11–12
– Luke 19:10
– 1 Corinthians 15:22, 40, 44, 49–50
– Romans 5:12, 18; 6:23
– John 5:28–29
– Isaiah 40:5; 45:18; 52:10
– Galatians 3:16, 18, 26–27
– Hebrews 8:8, 10, 11
– Matthew 6:10; 7:14
– 2 Corinthians 5:6–7; 2:20
– Habakkuk 2:14
– 2 Peter 1:4; 3:13
– Mark 10:30
– Revelation 20:6
– Isaiah 65:21; Micah 4:4
– 1 Peter 4:17
– Acts 17:31
– John 11:24
– Colossians 1:20, 23
– Hebrews 11:39–40
– 2 Corinthians 5:17
– Ephesians 1:13–14
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Summary Conclusion:
The discourse presents a comprehensive biblical exploration of salvation, emphasizing two distinct but harmonious salvations—one heavenly for the spiritual “seed” (church) and one earthly for mankind at large. Salvation is universal in opportunity but conditional upon faith and obedience. The plan of God includes resurrection, judgment, and the promise of eternal life. This teaching clarifies many common misunderstandings by carefully distinguishing between different promises, covenants, and future states, underscoring the inclusive and loving nature of God’s salvation plan.
Transcript
Well, good morning, good afternoon, and good evening. You know, we have people from very diverse parts of the planet that are on the broadcast right now. So we’re so glad to bring the love of the brethren in Orlando.
This particular topic, the gospel of your salvation is. Is part of the Faith foundation series, and this is a series on the fundamental doctrines of the truth, and we’re going to look at salvation today.
We find our theme scripture in 1st, Ephesians 1:13, and this is according to the NIV, you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and so this is kind of interesting because this scripture really defines that the word of truth is all about salvation. I mean, this is the ultimate plan, culmination of God’s plan, isn’t it?
So the word of truth reveals salvation, and we’re going to take a much closer look at salvation today.
What is salvation?
This child was saved, but is this salvation? Well, I think all of us would say, no, his life was extended. But this is not salvation.
You know, when we talk to our friends in nominal Christendom, they posed this question, have you been saved?
What’s really being asked here? Well, first of all, they’re asking, are you a Christian? Because of course, that’s a prerequisite. Second, they’re saying, is Jesus your savior? And implicitly, they are asking, are you one of us?
And finally, are you going to heaven? So in their concept, salvation is an instant decision, and then it’s done. But what did the Scriptures have to say about this? And why does this, this question makes all of us, at least myself, a little bit uncomfortable? Because we understand the underlying things that they’re asking.
But what do the Scriptures have to say about salvation? And we’re going to take a much deeper dive into that today. Now, there are a number of words associated with salvation. Yasha, which is deliverance, liberty, and safety. Yeshua, that’s a noun meaning victory.
So being victorious, teshua to rescue, and finally sotera, and that really has to do with preservation. So we see all of these kind of words that we, when we look up the word salvation, they all have very subtle and inclusive meanings. So salvation has several different aspects, and we’re going to look at those aspects or dimensions today.
You know, the Bible provides a promise of salvation. In Romans chapter 5, verse 21, we read, Sin hath reigned unto death. Even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord, and so this kind of gives us almost a formula, doesn’t it, as In Adam all die. Even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
That formula is in this scripture. Sin is rained unto death, causing death, but eternal life or lasting life is provided by Jesus Christ, and we can think of this, you know, much like the scales of the ransom a perfect man for a perfect man redeemed the entire race for an opportunity for lasting Life.
In Ecclesiastes 3, 11 and 12, we have perhaps one of my favorite verses in the Bible because it describes so well the feeling that mankind has God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart. Even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from the beginning to the end.
God hath planted eternity into the heart, and so here we have a verse that says, he’s planted it there, and, you know, this is a question that we always get at funerals. If you attend a funeral was, you know, why did they die? We realized that life should go on.
And yet that’s the eternity in the heart, and yet it doesn’t, and it also, this Scripture also indicates that people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from the beginning to the end. Yet except for the church, they’ve been granted a special glimpse in God’s plan of salvation and all the different aspects of that. You know, God gives us a promise of salvation in Luke chapter 19, verse 10.
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost, the innocence and the perpetual life that was available in the garden if they followed the commandment, obey and live, disobey and die.
In First Corinthians 15:22, we’ve got really the equation that kind of lays out the mechanism for recovering mankind from the trap of death. For as in Adam, all die, even so in Christ shall all and capital A L L be made alive. So mankind, all are caught in this death trap, but all will be made alive. So the bottom line on all these scriptures that we’ve just looked at is we realize it involves an important part of the equation. This is salv comes through Christ.
So why is salvation necessary? In Romans chapter 5, verses 12 and then 18, we read, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men. For that we have all sinned, and there we have it, the thing that the world doesn’t quite get. You know, we were recently at a funeral in a.
In an evangelical church, and what they didn’t get was, well, they put the person in heaven. They’re Sitting there with, with Christ and with God in heaven, and they don’t realize that death has passed upon all men because all have sinned and now he is in the sleep of death.
Therefore, as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life, and so once again we see this ransom equation woven in here, and an important part of this is salvation.
So the death sentence is on all. Very clearly the world really doesn’t see this. They don’t understand the reason, because to them the Genesis account is a interesting Bible story.
Salvation is for all. You know, when we read In John chapter 5, verses 28 and 29, for the hour is coming in which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth once again you’ll notice the word all. This is not a limited salvation as so many think in Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 5. So now referring back to the Old Testament, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.
You know, this is kind of a telling, telling phrase, isn’t it? The glory of the Lord, and what is it going to be revealed in the wonderful resurrection and an opportunity for lasting life, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it, and once again, notice the word all, all inclusive.
Every man, woman and child that ever lived will have an opportunity. So Christ’s sacrifice was for all, and so consequently salvation is for all as well. So who will be saved? You know, if we look in the world, there are literally hundreds or thousands of religions who’s going to be saved? Is it one particular sect?
Well, we’re told it’s all, and it’s not through any of these other gods. It’s only through the sacrifice of our Lord and master, Jesus Christ. This is a beautiful Bible truth, isn’t it? And something that we can witness to all of our neighbors as well.
So the question might pop up in our minds, is this universalism, you know, salvation for all? Does that mean they get a free pass? That there’s no accounting for past sin or anything they’ve done? This is kind of the universalist thought that everyone will come back. Well, this is not unconditional salvation.
So we make that distinction. Salvation is back to a newness of life, a freshness of life. Imagine the joy when they come out of the graves and they see their perfect human bodies and they see health and vitality restored and so forth to newness of life. It’s a universal opportunity and we’ll stress that word, opportunity, foreverlasting life.
But everyone, we all have free will, and it will be the same way in the kingdom and after, at the resurrection, and so it will be an opportunity. But they’re going to have to comply with the Lord’s regulations in the same way that the Church does today, and ultimately all will be judged.
Not now. The Church is in judgment now. But the world of mankind will be judged in the little season. So they receive salvation from the power of death, the permanency of death.
So salvation is an opportunity. In Romans 6:23, we read, for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God, his eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ. Equal opportunity, not equality. So not everyone will be equal, but they will all have the same opportunity in the same way that we do today. God will provide an opportunity for everlasting life.
There are two salvations, and we’re going to refer to second Timothy, chapter one, verse ten, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death. So he took that sting out of death and hath brought life, mortal life and immortality, immortal life to light through the gospel of salvation. Here we have it, really the. Another statement that just so wonderfully ties all this together, you know, with the scriptures we’ve read. It’s.
It’s kind of miraculous that others don’t see this, this gospel of salvation, but it’s for their. It’s for a due time.
Now, there are many promises of salvation, plural, and we’re going to look at those Bible promises because in looking at those, we’re going to get an idea of how God’s plan is knit together and how all aspects of this work together. You know, one of the things that I enjoy doing is going to funerals in the church system and to hear them try to describe what’s happening with their loved ones. What is hell, what is the resurrection, what is their reward? And it’s interesting because you have to realize that there are spiritual promises and there are fleshly promises for the, for the earth and the vast majority of mankind mixes all of those together.
That causes confusion. You can see that in these funeral services. But we’re going to take a methodical look at the promises and see how they work together. In Genesis 22, 17 and 18, we read, I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is upon the seashore, and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
So what we have here is we have in this promise A heavenly and an earthly promise. This distinction is by and large lost on those in Christendom.
So the Bible teaches very clearly, starting with this Abrahamic promise, these two salvations.
Let’s look at the verses on the stars of heaven, and we find this in Galatians 3:16, 18, 26 and 27. According to New International Version, the promise says plural, were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. But God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise continuing, you are the sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you were baptized into. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.
And then continuing, if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. So right here in Galatians chapter three, we see the apostle Paul weaves together and causes an association with this Abrahamic promise to the chosen seed. Those who have been immersed or baptized into Christ, we would call it those who have consecrated and their consecrations have been accepted.
So a heavenly class will exist like the stars.
And then there’s another class described as the sands of the sea, and we find this in Isaiah 45:18. God Himself formed the earth and made it, and he established it, and he created it. Not in vain. He formed it to be inhabited.
And so this is another thing that is lost. If everyone goes to heaven, what’s the use for the earth? Here is one of the Scriptures that we have as to what the purpose of the earth is. He formed it to be inhabited. In Matthew 6:10, the Lord’s purpose says, thy will come, Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven, and so we see here, and this is a wonderful witness Scripture as well, to help witness to people and say, you know well what’s the purpose of the earth and the kingdom on earth. Here we have a distinction. It’s saying that there’s a kingdom in heaven and a separate phase of kingdom on. On the earth.
And this was described as the sands of the seashore. In Isaiah 52:10 we read, all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God, and so it’s all inclusive. Again, again, that word all is here you get the point there, that so many limit the grace of God, and yet we realize one of the wonderful things about the plan of God is it’s all inclusive.
All who have ever lived will have an opportunity to come back into alignment with God, atonement with God, and then live lasting or everlasting life.
So what do the Scriptures have to say about two salvations. You know, when we read the Scriptures, if you don’t make a distinction about there being two separate salvations, two separate promises, then it seems confusing and it seems to agree and disagree.
Well, there are two covenants described in Galatians, chapter three. Again, verses 27 and 29. It says, for as many of you have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, that means you’ve changed your life, you transformed yourself into the image of his Son to the very best of your ability, and then he continues, and if ye be Christ, then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise? And that’s the Abrahamic promise.
Continuing In Hebrews, chapter 8, verses 8 and 10, once again, the apostle Paul clarifies these things for us. You know, where would we be without the apostle Paul? There’s so many things that are explained that we can harmonize because of the apostle Paul. Here he writes, I will make a new covenant. I will put my laws into their mind and write it in their hearts.
And I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. They’ll become God’s people, won’t they? And so we see this is a different covenant. Now, when we read these two covenants, they seem at odds, and yet we can totally harmonize because of the two salvations that we’re talking about, heavenly and an earthly.
And when we see it in that light, it makes perfect sense and we can harmonize these statements.
Continuing, there are two ways in Matthew 7:14 where it’s described as, because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth to life, and few there be that find it. You know, the very last portion of this is confusing to most people, and this is another interesting witness Scripture, because you can and give this and say, why would only a few find it? Remember, this is explained elsewhere in Scripture that seeing they might see and hearing they might hear, and they might understand. It’s not their time yet that we’re not called.
And they were not capable perhaps of fulfilling a vow of consecration. But those that have entered into what is called the narrow way, elsewhere in scripture, in Isaiah 35, our famous scripture, prophetic scripture about the kingdom or chapter, about the kingdom and highway shall be there, and it shall be it shall be called the way of holiness, and it is a way where all will come upon that and come back into alignment with God. So today, those that are following the spiritual call have entered the narrow ways, and it’s narrow and very few find it.
You know, especially in this Season of thanksgiving. We should thank the Heavenly Father in all of our prayers for him guiding us to this understanding, to this truth, this Bible truth that not so many people understand. But in the kingdom, there’ll be an opportunity. It’ll be a highway. Now, the reason for highways is to have a lot of traffic.
You know, do we need bigger highways? Well, we need bigger highways now so we can handle more cars. But this will be a highway or a way, a road back to God, the way of holiness. So once again, we see two apparently conflicting statements that we can harmonize when we look at it in respect to two salvations.
There are two enlightenments, you know, in Second Corinthians, chapter 5, verses 6 and 7, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight, and this is the spiritual walk. Now, we walk by faith. We walk by the faith.
That’s what our eyesight is, spiritual. In Galatians, chapter 2, verse 20, we read the life which we now live in the flesh. I live by faith of the Son of God. So in this current life we live in the flesh, but we are walking and guided by, by faith in the Son of God.
It’s a different situation in the kingdom. In Hebrews 8, chapter 11, we read, all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest, and then they’re going to walk by sight. It’ll no longer require faith. In Habakkuk 2:14, we read, the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
And so we see that whereas now we have to diligently seek the truth, we have to prove things precept by precept, and so forth. In the kingdom the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of our Lord, and the glory, by the way, is this loving God, who wants to give everyone an opportunity to. To come back into at one moment with him. So very different circumstances.
Now we walk by faith, then they will walk by sight.
There are two types of life described as well, and this also is largely misunderstood by Christendom, 2nd Peter 1:4, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these we might be partakers, and of the divine nature. We understand what the divine nature is. It’s the highest gift that God could give. You know, when we think about it, there’s no higher gift that he could give.
It’s life unto itself, and so it’s by its very nature it requires approving, because it is essentially death proof and therefore we would not want that entrusted to anyone who is not totally dedicated to God.
Eternal life is promised or lasting life, or everlasting life. In Romans 5:21, as sin hath reigned unto death, even so my grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ. Once again, Jesus Christ is the common thread that is required for, for a resurrection, for lasting life. That’s part of the equation, and this is what the world does not yet see.
Having thousands of religions, there’ll be one religion, one Lord, one, one God. In Mark 10:30, we read in the world to come, what’s going to happen. Eternal life, lasting life. Elsewhere in other translations, it’ll be called everlasting life. But you get the point.
It’s mortal life, so it’s not death proof, but it will continue forever.
Then there are two types of bodies described, spiritual bodies. When we look to First Corinthians 15:44, we read, it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. We shall also bear the image of the heavenly, which is a nuanced way of saying, we shall be raised, we shall have spiritual bodies. These natural bodies will go away.
In First Corinthians 15:40, looking back a few verses, the Apostle Paul gives us an explanation. There are also celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial. So he’s making a very clear distinction here, and this is lost on most people, as to why he would say this and how are they going to be assigned. But the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another, and so he’s saying that there are different offices and different glories as well.
There are two offices as well. This is described in Revelation 20, verse 6, Revelation 20 and 21 really give us a wonderful explanation of what’s happening here. In the kingdom. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection. On such the second death hath no power but they those that are in this resurrection shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
This also shows part of the plan of God, showing that those that are of the spiritual class will have spiritual bodies and will reign with him during his kingdom. Isaiah 65, 21 talks about the earthly dominion, and part of that dominion is building houses and inhabiting them, and planting vineyards, and eating the fruit of them, and enjoying the fruitage of the land, and so earthly dominion will be assigned to man. In Micah 4, 4, we read, but they shall sit every man under his vine, and under his fig tree. A very wonderful picture, right?
Sitting, relaxing, appreciating the beauty of the earth and the blessings that the Lord has brought and the fruitage. So these are very. Two very different offices, aren’t they? There are also two judgments, and once again we need to distinguish these and categorize them correctly, and then everything starts to make sense.
1st Peter 4:17. For the time has come that judgment must begin with the house of God, and this is the nature. We’re on trial for our very lives now, those that have consecrated to God but for the world of mankind, and this is lost on the world. In Acts 17:13, we read, because he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness.
That’s a future day.
In Isaiah 26:9 we read, when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Very important. So that’s yet future. Two resurrections are mentioned as well. In First Corinthians 15:22 and 23, we read, for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
We’re very familiar with that. But every man in his own order, Christ the first fruits afterward, they that are Christ at his coming. That’s talking about the first resurrection. In Revelation 20 and 6, it talks about these individuals, blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection. On such the second death had no power.
A very. So that’s the first resurrection. Why do we have a second? Well, in John 11:24 we read, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day, and so this was the expectation from times of old, really, that there would be a resurrection in the last day.
So how do we harmonize these? These are the points that we brought out, and you see here we have heavenly promises in purple and earthly promises in green, and now we see how we can harmonize all of these Scriptures with this in mind. It’s rightly dividing the world of the word of truth.
Here we have a little chart that kind of lays those things out. The things that to many in Christendom are confusing, but to us they’re crystal clear. Because we see a heavenly salvation and an earthly salvation, two sets of promises, and once we realize that we can harmonize all of these scriptures, there are two aspects of salvation. In Colossians chapter 1, verse 20, we read by him to reconcile all things unto himself, whether they be things of earth or things of heaven.
And so here, once again, we have an explanation that all things will be recognized in or reconciled in due time. There’s a heavenly prospect and an earthly prospect. Two salvations, one Savior. Why two salvations? Well, we realize, talking about the ancient worthies, in Hebrews 11, all these died in the faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off.
Continuing in the 17th verse, it says by faith, Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac and and he that received the promises, offered up his only begotten Son. Here we have, you know, if you want to know about types, here we have a linkage between Abraham and Isaac and the heavenly Father and his only begotten son.
Now, we brethren as Isaac, are the children of the promise. We’re children of this heavenly promise. So once again, a linkage here showing that this is a heavenly promise, and this reveals a mystery that is not understood by the majority of Christendom.
The mystery of salvation. In Colossians 1:23, we read this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. That’s the mystery, and it’s not known by most. In Second Corinthians 5:17, we read, Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, a new creature.
Most don’t understand salvation, but we have been blessed to see these things and to respond to that call, and really that’s what’s necessary. You know, God doesn’t call people in ignorance. He uses informed consent and allows us to understand the wonderful privilege that we have at this time.
Why two salvations in Hebrews 11:39, 40, and these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise. God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. This is the key. They without us should not be made perfect. The church is designed to be called out and to bless the whole world.
They’ll have a part of that. Two salvations. You know, understanding that the Bible gives a heavenly. Gives heavenly and earthly promises helps us make it all make sense, doesn’t it? The good news about salvation.
God has a plan and everyone is in it. How many limit the love of God? How many limit the the ransom price? How many limit the resurrection from the dead, and how many limit salvation? But God has a plan and everybody is in it.
And that’s what the. That’s the good news about salvation. All will have a resurrection whether they want it or not. You know, the divine plan of the ages shows these two salvations, doesn’t it? The earthly plane and the spiritual plane.
In First Corinthians 15:49 and 50, we read and we, and as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven. So this is giving us a key to those who have an ear to hear that they will receive a heavenly reward. In 1st Corinthians 15:44, just a few verses prior, the Apostle Paul explains, it is sown a natural body it is raised a spiritual body and as a result we can be a part of that promise of Genesis 26:4 in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
That was the promise to Father Abraham, and that is the spiritual promise to his bride. In Ephesians 1:13 14 we read, you have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you are marked in him with a seal, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and this adds another aspect. So those that are called to that spiritual calling are also sealed in their foreheads with the promise of the Holy Spirit.
In second Peter 3:13 we read, we, according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, and we all pray for that on a daily basis. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. We thank our heavenly Father for from him and through him, and to him are all things to God be the glory forever. Amen.
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