We are aware the term "salvation" can be translated deliverance, referring to Paul's deliverance from the prison from which he was writing.

However, the context suggests Paul may have been speaking of much more than release from prison. He may have been referring to his salvation—salvation in this instance meaning a full grasp on Christ. A parallel thought is expressed in the third chapter of Philippians where Paul sought to "win Christ" (Philippians 3:8).

Consider also:

Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. (I Timothy 2:15)

It was the woman who was deceived and disobeyed God's commandment. The woman will be saved by continuing in faith, love, holiness, and sobriety of conduct. If she has children she can gain favor with the Lord by training her children in the righteous ways of the Lord. She saves herself and her children in this manner.

Because of our incorrect theology concerning salvation, I Timothy 2:15 has proved to be a difficult verse to understand. But the passage is simple and direct if we have a correct understanding of salvation.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (I Timothy 4:16)

Timothy was to save himself and his hearers by his godly conduct, by his obedience to the doctrine of the Apostles. We are to save ourselves by obeying the word of the Apostles. We save ourselves and those who hear us by doing and teaching what the Lord and His servants have commanded.

We see from the above that salvation is a process we go through with the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. We are to present ourselves before the Throne of God in Heaven each day, asking for Divine help in our hour of need. Salvation hardly is a "ticket to Heaven" that we are given on the basis of a profession of belief in the things pertaining to Christ.

It is absolutely true that at the moment of making a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus we enter eternal life. Our sins are forgiven. The condemnation that had rested on us is removed.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)

Salvation is instantaneous. It is also progressive—a pressing forward toward the salvation of our soul. To deny this is to dangerously misunderstand the Divine redemption. We are forgiven by the blood of the Lamb but we validate this forgiveness by walking in the light of God's perfect will. To not understand this is to not understand the very bedrock principle of what is taking place in our salvation.

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition [destruction]; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:39)

The opposite of believing is shrinking back from our walk with the Lord. The verse is not referring to our changing our mind about points of theology. The Christian faith is a pressing toward a mark.

If we would gain the inheritance we must diligently and consistently seek the Lord.

To be continued.