What is "Present Salvation?"
By Charles P. Bollman
THE words "present salvation" are much used, and we might add much abused, by a class of religionists who profess to enjoy this freedom, while they reject the only means by which it may be attained. They are wont to claim all the promises and blessings, while refusing to comply with the conditions upon which only they are obtainable. That the Bible justifies the use of the term, in a certain sense, is true; and our object now is to show from the sacred Scriptures its proper meaning. "Present salvation" differs from ultimate or final salvation, in that while the latter is the redemption of the body (Rom. 8:23), and exemption from the second death (Rev. 20:6), the former is freedom from the bondage of sin; and is a necessary antecedent of eternal life. Paul, in the 6th chapter of Romans, represents the natural man as the servant (slave) of sin; and as death frees from slavery, the carnal nature must die. "For," says Paul, "he that is dead is freed from sin." If we still ask why this death must take place, the answer is found in these words: "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. 8:7. Christ's mission to the world was not only to purchase for us eternal life, but to bring us into harmony with his Father's law; and obtain for us "present salvation," viz., freedom from the bondage of sin in this life. Therefore the Christian who looks only at the future happy life, caring little how the present probationary one is spent, is in great danger of finding himself at last among those to whom the King will say, "Depart from me, I never knew you." Jesus saves his people from sin, not in sin. Matt. 1:21. And as sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4), he saves them from sin by imparting grace to keep God's holy law; and not as some suppose by granting license to violate that which inspiration says is perfect. Ps. 19:7. With this agree the words of Paul, Romans 8:3, 4, where he says that God sent his Son into the world "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit." In the 13th verse he says: "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. And in verse 15 he adds, "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Thus we find that in harmony with the law of God—walking after the Spirit—we are free from sin, and in the enjoyment of "present salvation." Pardon for sin comes only through Christ. The law condemns the transgressor, and cannot save a single soul, "for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." And after we have done everything that we can do, we have done only our duty, and must still say "We are unprofitable servants." But because salvation is of faith, and a free gift from God, shall we sin (transgress the law) that grace may abound? "God forbid," says the apostle; "how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?" Rom. 6:1, 2. The Spirit, which proceeds from the Father, acts an important part in bringing us into, and keeping us in harmony with God's law. By its operation on our hearts and consciences they are made tender, and we are enabled to realize more fully than we otherwise could, the claims of the law as set forth in the teachings and in the life of the Saviour himself. He came not to do his own will, but the will of his Father; and by both precept and example magnified the law and made it honorable; thus fulfilling Isaiah 42:21. It is surely the privilege of the Christian to so live that he will not be under condemnation; that he will have confidence towards God, and can humbly, yet boldly claim the promises. 1 John 3:22. This was David's experience as set forth in Ps. 119:44, 45, where he says: "So shall I keep thy law continually forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty; for I seek thy precepts." The apostle James teaches the same great truth, that in keeping God's law there is freedom from the bondage of sin, when he calls it "The perfect law of liberty." Truly the most perfect liberty which any human being can enjoy is freedom from the yoke of sin. The teaching of the word of God is not yea and nay, but yea and amen. We do not find that the people of God were saved in a former dispensation by works without faith in a Saviour to come; nor in this dispensation by faith in a Saviour already come, but without works, by which alone we show our faith. Jas. 2:17-20. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, reveals but one Saviour and but one plan of salvation. And that plan is briefly summed up by Paul as "Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." And in harmony with this we read in Rev. 14:12, of a people who, just before the coming of the Son of man on the white cloud, are keeping "the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." If we desire salvation from sin we must seek it through faith in the Son, and obedience to the Father. If we would be sanctified, it must be by the word of God. Jesus prayed: "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." John 17:17. C. P. BOLLMAN.