Does salvation affect more than just the afterlife?
Introduction
Salvation is a central theme in Christianity that refers to being saved from sin and its consequences and brought into right relationship with God. The Bible teaches that salvation profoundly impacts people in the here and now, not just in the afterlife. This 9000 word article will examine what the Bible says about how salvation changes people’s lives today.
The Nature of Salvation
In the Bible, salvation refers to deliverance from danger or distress. More specifically, it means being saved from the power and penalty of sin through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16-17). Sin separates people from God (Isaiah 59:2), resulting in spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Through Jesus’ death on the cross, forgiveness of sins is available to all who place their faith in Him (Ephesians 1:7). This restores people’s relationship with God and grants eternal life (John 17:3).
Salvation is made possible by God’s grace alone, not human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9). When people repent of their sins and believe in Christ, they are spiritually regenerated or “born again” by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-7). This inaugurates the process of sanctification, whereby the Holy Spirit transforms believers to become more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Salvation is a free gift received by faith at a point in time, but it also initiates lifelong transformation.
Beyond Just Forgiveness of Sins
A common misconception is that salvation only deals with the forgiveness of sins so people can go to heaven when they die. But Scripture depicts salvation in more comprehensive terms. When people are saved, they are delivered from the power of sin so they can walk in newness of life here and now (Romans 6:4-7). Salvation restores people to a right relationship with God, which enables them to fulfill their created purpose which includes glorifying God, enjoying intimate fellowship with Him, and partnering in His redemptive work in this world (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 2:9-10).
The Bible presents salvation as deliverance from the bondage of sin that corrupts every aspect of human existence. The effects of salvation thus extend far beyond just changing one’s eternal destiny. Salvation redeems the whole person and restores all of life to how God intended it to be. It launches people on a journey of transformation that will one day culminate in the complete renewal of everything at Christ’s return (Romans 8:18-25). But this renewal begins now in the lives of believers as they align every area of life under Christ’s gracious Lordship. So salvation is a comprehensive deliverance from sin and its effects that touches every dimension of human life.
Transforming the Heart
One primary way salvation profoundly impacts people in the present is by transforming their hearts. Scripture emphasizes the fundamental problem of the human condition is the corrupt desires of the heart (Jeremiah 17:9). People’s thoughts, words and actions all flow from the heart (Matthew 15:18-20). Therefore, lasting change requires heart transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When people are saved, God gives them new hearts and puts a new spirit within them (Ezekiel 36:26). Their stony, stubborn hearts are replaced with soft, receptive hearts that desire to obey God. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within believers when they are saved (1 Corinthians 6:19). He cultivates in them the spiritual fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These reflect the character of Christ emerging in believers as evidence of salvation. This inner moral transformation then shapes their outward conduct.
Salvation also instills new motivations, purposes, and perspectives. Believers are motivated to live for the glory of God rather than self (1 Corinthians 10:31). Their life purpose becomes serving God and furthering His kingdom rather than pursuing worldly ambitions (Matthew 6:33). They view life from an eternal perspective rather than being consumed with temporal things (Colossians 3:1-2). Salvation essentially reorients the human heart. When God changes people’s hearts, it transforms their entire outlook on life.
Renewing the Mind
In addition to transforming the heart, salvation also renews the mind. People’s thinking and beliefs are corrupted by sin and require renewal by the Holy Spirit. Scripture urges believers, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This mental renewal begins at salvation but continues throughout the Christian life as believers increasingly align their thinking with God’s truth.
When people are saved, the Holy Spirit enlightens their minds to grasp the truth of God’s Word in a personally meaningful way (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). Their minds are cleansed of falsehoods and misconceptions. Salvation “reprograms” the mind according to God’s perspective rather than the warped thinking of the world. Believers develop a biblically-informed worldview that equips them to discern truth from error and live wisely. As their thinking is renewed, their choices and behaviors begin to reflect godly wisdom rather than folly.
In particular, believers gain new insight into God’s character and ways. The prophet Jeremiah declared, “Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me…” (Jeremiah 9:24). Through Christ, believers gain true knowledge of God that transforms their relationship with Him. They also increasingly understand His majesty, goodness, faithfulness and trustworthiness. This theological renewal of the mind fuels love and worship of God.
The renewal of the mind also equips believers for sanctification. They begin to understand God’s moral standards and see sin as God does, producing conviction, repentance, and obedience. Their thoughts become captive to the authority of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). As their minds are renewed through studying and meditating on Scripture, believers gain wisdom for righteous living that honors God.
Defeating Sin’s Power
A major effect of salvation that touches everyday life is breaking the power of sin. Before they were saved, believers were enslaved to various sins that controlled their lives – “For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures…” (Titus 3:3). Through Christ, the stranglehold of sin is broken in their lives. Believers are no longer helpless against the compulsions of sin but can choose to walk in holiness: “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
Scripture uses strong metaphors to depict this liberation from sin. Believers become dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). They have been crucified with Christ, so their old sinful nature no longer rules them (Galatians 2:20). Sin’s mastery over them is broken like a slave being emancipated (Romans 6:6-7). Believers are no longer prisoners or slaves to sin, but free to obey God.
Of course, believers still struggle with sin and temptation in this life. But sin is no longer an unconquerable tyrant ruling their lives. Believers are freed and empowered to resist temptation and choose righteousness by relying on the Holy Spirit. As they walk in the Spirit, they will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:16). Putting sin to death by the Spirit is a key part of progressive sanctification (Romans 8:13). But this process begins at salvation with sin’s dominion being decisively broken. This victory over enslavement to sin then works itself out practically as believers learn to walk in holiness by the Spirit’s power.
Restoring Broken Relationships
Salvation also profoundly impacts present life by providing the foundation for restoring broken relationships. Sin damages or severs relationships between people and with God. Salvation through Christ reconciles believers to right relationship with God and others. This reconciliation begins at salvation and continues through the ongoing choice to forgive others, seek forgiveness, and pursue peace.
The most fundamental reconciliation is between sinful people and a holy God. Sin creates enmity and separation between God and man (Isaiah 59:2). But Christ’s sacrifice on the cross enables believers’ reconciliation with God (Romans 5:10-11). Whereas they were once enemies under God’s wrath, they become His beloved children at peace with Him (1 John 3:1). This vertical reconciliation with their Creator transforms every other dimension of life.
Salvation also equips believers for reconciliation with others. Jesus commanded His followers, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). Believers’ relationships with others should reflect the forgiveness and grace that God has shown them. As far as it depends on them, Christians should pursue peaceful relations with others (Romans 12:18).
The early church provided a powerful testimony of radical love and unity that displayed the reconciling effect of salvation in Christ (John 13:35). When believers are saved, they become members of God’s family and spiritual brothers and sisters to fellow Christians. This shared connection to Christ enables fractured relationships to be repaired. Of course, the other party must be willing, and reconciliation is not always possible. But Christians have the framework for reconciliation through the forgiveness, grace, and peace made available in Christ.
Overcoming Loneliness and Insecurity
Many people struggle with loneliness, inadequacy, and insecurity. They lack meaning, purpose, and stability in their lives. Salvation in Christ powerfully addresses these struggles by giving believers an eternal identity, purpose, and place in God’s family. They are secure in who God made them to be in Christ.
One facet of salvation is believers being adopted into God’s family (Romans 8:15). Whereas unbelievers are alienated from God without hope (Ephesians 2:12), believers gain many spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ. They are connected to the global church that provides community, support, and a sense of belonging. This new family and identity in Christ fills the vacuum of loneliness and gives meaning and stability.
Salvation also gives believers unshakable value and worth. The world often defines human value by superficial standards: attractiveness, talent, wealth, success, popularity, productivity, etc. But in Christ believers have immovable value because they are completely loved and accepted by God. Their identity and status is permanently secure, anchored in who God says they are as His beloved children (John 1:12).
Additionally, believers find supreme purpose and meaning through salvation. Rather than struggling to find life’s purpose, they know they exist to worship God and fulfill His will (Revelation 4:11). Obeying Christ gives life focus and direction. Serving in God’s kingdom provides eternal significance and satisfaction that worldly accomplishments cannot match (Matthew 6:19-21). Salvation gives believers a purpose and place that instills peace and security amid life’s uncertainties.
Bearing Spiritual Fruit
In addition to inner transformation, salvation also impacts believers’ lives by enabling them to bear spiritual fruit through good works and ministry. Scripture exhorts Christians, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). The salvation they received by grace now expresses itself in serving God and people.
The primary “fruit” or result of salvation is Christlike character: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…” (Galatians 5:22). As believers yield to the Holy Spirit, He cultivates His gracious character in their lives. This moral and spiritual fruit brings glory to God and blesses others. When unbelievers see this fruit, they will give glory to God (Matthew 5:16).
Believers also bear fruit by fulfilling their calling in the world. The farmer expects fruit from his orchard, and God expects spiritual fruit from believers’ lives (John 15:1-8). Their gifts, passions, education, experience, and resources should produce a spiritual harvest for God’s kingdom. This happens as believers steward their vocations, care for their families, serve in the church, and minister to their communities.
Fruitfulness requires abiding in Christ as the source of life and power (John 15:4-5). Apart from Him, believers can do nothing. As believers walk in intimacy with Christ and obedience to His Word, the Holy Spirit works through them. When believers yield to God’s Spirit, they bear fruit that advances God’s kingdom and brings Him glory. This fulfills their created purpose.
Experiencing God’s Peace and Joy
In contrast to the anxiety and dissatisfaction of the world, salvation ushers believers into the spiritual blessings of God’s peace and joy. Christ promised His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27). This peace – a sense of spiritual wellbeing and contentment – grows as believers walk closely with Him. Scripture also exhorts believers to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). This joy remains steady regardless of circumstances because it is rooted in their relationship with Christ.
The peace and joy Christ provides are not fleeting emotions but an abiding state of mind and heart. Jesus assured His disciples, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). As believers meditate on God’s truth and grace, His Spirit fills them with supernatural joy and peace (Romans 15:13). These are fruits of salvation that believers experience as they walk in fellowship with Christ.
This peace and joy arises because salvation liberates believers from condemnation and anxiety about the afterlife. They have peace with God and the confident hope of heaven (Romans 5:1-2). Though trials still come, believers have an anchor for their souls in God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 6:19). His sovereign control over every circumstance instills deep-seated peace and courage.
Salvation also produces joy and gladness through the privilege of knowing Christ personally, being adopted into His family, and experiencing His transforming power. Believers have fellowship with Him who is the source of all joy and delight. As they walk in obedience to Christ, they experience thehappiness of a clear conscience. Even in the midst of sorrow, they can rejoice because of their eternal hope and reward (Matthew 5:12).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible clearly teaches that salvation powerfully impacts believers in the present, not just in eternity. When people are saved through repentance and faith in Christ, they are delivered from the power and penalty of sin. God transforms their hearts to desire Him, renews their minds according to His truth, and fills them with His Holy Spirit. This inner change then transforms their character, conduct, priorities, and relationships.
Believers are equipped to walk in victory over sin, pursue reconciliation, find security in their identity in Christ, bear spiritual fruit, and experience God’s peace and joy. Salvation launches the process of sanctification whereby God restores believers to wholeness in every dimension of life. Ultimately, salvation inaugurates the redemption of the entire creation from bondage and corruption. God’s deliverance of His people through Christ displays His majesty, goodness, and faithfulness at work in the world even now. Salvation offers not just a future hope but present help and wholeness to all who trust in Christ.
