If salvation were a ticket to Heaven we are given when we take the "four steps of salvation" this verse from First Timothy would make no sense whatever. It is contrary to our beliefs that we are to save ourselves by our conduct.

But if we are willing to define salvation as deliverance from sinful behavior, which we accomplish by being careful how we behave and what we preach, abiding in Christ at all times, going before the Mercy Seat continually to gain help in our battle against sin, then the verse fits perfectly.

When we change our definition of salvation from going to Heaven when we die, to being delivered from sin so we can have fellowship with Christ and the Father and carry out the various roles prepared for the members of the Body of Christ, all we have to say further in this essay will make perfect sense. Also the Scriptures will be understandable and coherent.

But if we keep in our mind that to be saved is to hold our ticket to Heaven, then our further discussion as well as large portions of the Scriptures will not be understandable or coherent.

The Scripture Teaches That Salvation, or Redemption, Will Come at the End of the Age.

Now here is a concept that should be given considerable thought. There are several verses of the New Testament stating that salvation is in the future.

Look at the following verses carefully and I think you will agree they point to a salvation in the future.

But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28—NASB)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30—NIV)

Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:5—NIV)

The following passage is particularly significant. It shows that the sacrifice of Christ took away our sins, and in the future He will return to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27,28—NIV)

Two comments are to be made. First, we know it was the guilt of our sins that was removed. It is obvious from the writings of Paul, John, Peter, James, and Jude, that while the guilt of sin had been removed from the believers there was widespread sin among them. The presence of sinful behavior had not been removed in many instances.

Our second comment is in the form of a question: "Precisely what is the salvation that is to come to us in the last days?"

To be continued.