THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION: Chosen, Redeemed, Sealed, and Glorified in Christ

Ephesians 1:3–14 (KJV)

The Doctrine of Salvation—known theologically as Soteriology (from the Greek sōtēria, meaning “salvation”)—is the heart of the Christian faith. It answers the most important questions of life:

• Why do we need to be saved?

• How are we saved?

• What does salvation accomplish?

• What is happening in our salvation right now?

• What future hope does salvation guarantee?

Ephesians 1:3–14 provides one of the most breathtaking summaries of God’s saving work—revealing a salvation that began before the foundation of the world, is applied in the present, and will be completed in the fullness of time.

The "PROCESS" of SALVATION starts with the act of BAPTISM.

“³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” - Acts 2: 38-39 (KJV)

1. Salvation Begins With God’s Eternal Purpose

Ephesians 1:3–6

“He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world… having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ.”

Salvation did not start with us—it began in the eternal mind of God.

Before the world existed:

• God chose us in Christ (v. 4)

• God predestined us for adoption (v. 5)

• God accepted us in the Beloved (v. 6)

Salvation is rooted in:

• God’s love

• God’s will

• God’s grace

• God’s purpose

This means salvation is not a human idea—it is a divine initiative, offered in pure grace, not human effort.

2. Salvation Rescues Us From Sin: Redemption and Forgiveness

Ephesians 1:7

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins…”

Salvation includes:

• Redemption — being bought back from slavery to sin

• Forgiveness — the penalty of sin canceled

The cost? The blood of Jesus Christ.

Salvation is not cheap; it required the death of God’s Son.

3. Salvation Reveals the Mystery of God’s Will

Ephesians 1:8–10

God makes known “the mystery of His will”—centered in Christ—that in the fullness of time all things will be gathered together in Christ.

Salvation is not individual only—it is cosmic. It restores creation. It unites heaven and earth in Christ.

4. Salvation Gives Us an Inheritance

Ephesians 1:11–12

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance…”

This includes:

• eternal life

• the kingdom of God

• resurrection

• the presence of God forever

Believers are heirs with Christ and have a destiny shaped by God’s purpose.

5. Salvation Comes Through Hearing, Believing, and Trusting the Gospel

Ephesians 1:13

“After that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel… after that ye believed…”

Salvation is received by:

• hearing the gospel

• believing the truth

• trusting in Christ

It is not by works, not by law, and not by human perfection.

Galatians 2:16 confirms:

“…a man is not justified by works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ…”

6. Salvation Seals Us With the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 1:13–14

The moment we believe, we are:

• sealed with the Holy Spirit

• marked as God’s own

• given a guarantee (“earnest”) of our inheritance

The Spirit is:

• our seal

• our security

• our assurance

• our down-payment

• our witness that we belong to God

Salvation is eternally secure because God Himself seals it.

7. Salvation Is Comprehensive: Past, Present, Future

PAST — Justification

Saved from the penalty of sin.

• Declared righteous

• Forgiven

• Reconciled

• Redeemed

Key scriptures: Ephesians 2:8–9, Titus 3:5, Romans 5:1, John 5:24

This is a completed work.

PRESENT — Sanctification

Being saved from the power of sin.

• Growing in holiness

• Being transformed into Christ’s image

• Empowered by the Spirit

• Fighting sin and walking in obedience

Key scriptures: Philippians 2:12–13, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3

This is an ongoing work.

FUTURE — Glorification

Will be saved from the presence of sin.

• Resurrection

• Seeing Christ

• Eternal life

• No more sin, pain, or death

Key scriptures: Romans 13:11, 1 Peter 1:5, Hebrews 9:28

This is a promised work.

8. Salvation Produces a New Life in Christ

Paul declares:

“I am crucified with Christ… Christ liveth in me.”— Galatians 2:20

The results of salvation include:

• New identity (adopted)

• New power (Holy Spirit)

• New nature (born again)

• New purpose (good works)

• New destiny (eternal life)

The saved are called to:

• shine their light (Matthew 5:16)

• walk in good works (Ephesians 2:10)

• live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:11–12)

Salvation leads to transformation.

9. Salvation Is Rooted in the Grace of God Alone

Ephesians 2:4–10 teaches:

• salvation flows from God’s mercy (v. 4)

• God made us alive through Christ (v. 5)

• God raised us with Christ (v. 6)

• God saved us by grace through faith (v. 8)

• salvation is not of works (v. 9)

• we are His workmanship (v. 10)

Grace is the foundation.

Faith is the means.

Christ is the source.

God’s glory is the goal.

10. Salvation Shifts Us From Darkness to Light

Jesus said:

“I am the light of the world… he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.”— John 8:12

John 3:17–21 explains that salvation brings us out of darkness into God’s light—revealing truth, transforming life, and producing good works “wrought in God.”

11. Salvation Calls Us to Hope and Holy Living

Believers live in:

• hope: “the blessed hope” (Titus 2:13)

• power: “spirit of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)

• calling: “an holy calling” (2 Timothy 1:9)

• expectation: Christ’s return

Salvation is not passive—it shapes the believer’s entire way of life.

CONCLUSION: Salvation Is God’s Masterpiece of Grace

From eternity past to eternity future, salvation tells the story of:

• God’s love

• God’s choice

• Christ’s sacrifice

• The Spirit’s sealing

• The believer’s transformation

• The hope of glory

It is the greatest gift God has given humanity.

We are chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit—unto the praise of His glory.

CALL TO SALVATION

Do you desire prayer?

Do you desire salvation?

If you want to know Christ—and be known by Him—today is the day.

“Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:2

I can help you with a prayer, Scripture guidance, or steps to salvation—just let me know how you’d like to continue.

“³ Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ⁴ Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? ⁵ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. - John 3:3-5

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