It is important that we learn to define salvation as a journey from Satan to God rather than a one-time expression of faith. The world contains millions of believers who have "made a decision for Christ." But among these millions there may not be a hundred thousand true disciples, that is, a hundred thousand believers who are making their way from Egypt to Canaan. The eternal spiritual babyhood of the believers is the result of preaching and teaching an incorrect definition of the Christian salvation.

Let us accept the fact that we have been delivered from slavery in Egypt, so to speak, and now are to follow the Lord to the destination appointed for us. The wilderness wandering is a school, a curriculum designed to teach us the ways of the Lord. The instruction and events that we experience during our Christian discipleship are designed to teach us the ways of the Lord. They are to prepare us for life in the Kingdom of God.

The pain and problems that come upon us each day are for a purpose. Let us think for a moment about the twofold goal of the Christian salvation so we can better understand the purpose of our tribulations and how to respond to them profitably.

There are two aspects of the goal of the Christian discipleship. These two aspects interact such that the increasing attainment of the one aids in the attainment of the other.

The first aspect is our change from the adamic personality to the Character of Christ.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6)

The second aspect of the twofold goal is our complete, untroubled rest in the Person of Christ in God to the point that our thoughts, words, and actions proceed from Christ.

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:23)

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

These are the two aspects of the goal of the Christian journey. The remainder of our inheritance, including closeness to the Lord, a significant role in the Kingdom of God, opportunities for joyous service, authority and power, and life lived in the Paradise of God, are possible only as we attain the goal of salvation, as we enter the rest of God.

To be continued.