Already, Not Yet...Continued
By Scott A. Fulks
In my further study on the 'already, not yet' aspects of salvation, I came across a quote in Francis Schaeffer's The God Who is There that details the various facets that will eventually be perfected.
"In justification, there is a relationship which is already perfect. When the individual accepts Christ as his Savior, on the basis of the finished work of Christ, God as Judge declares that his guilt is gone immediately and forever. With regard to the other separations [man from himself, man from other men, and man from nature], it is plain from the scriptural teaching and from the struggles of God's people throughout the best years of the Church that in this present life the blood of Christ is meant to brings substantial healing now. Individual salvation comes from justification, and guilt is gone at once. Then comes a future day when my body will be raised from the dead, and the other separations will be healed just as completely. Now, in the present life, when men can observe us, there is to be a substantial healing of these other divisions. Substantial is the right word to use because it carries with it two ideas. Firstly, it means that it is not yet perfect. Secondly, it means that there is reality." (164-165)
This gives the beautiful connection between the salvation we already possess and the salvation that is yet to come.
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7 ESV)
"but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." (Romans 8:23 ESV)
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