The Three Phases of Salvation • Deshen Daily

And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (Rom. 8:23 KJV)

Have you ever wondered why your daily Christian experiences don’t always align with the promises in the Bible? The answer might lie in understanding the threefold nature of salvation – a journey that encompasses spirit, soul, and body.

Phase One: Salvation of the Spirit

The moment you accept Christ, your spirit is reborn. Instantly, you’re rescued from eternal destruction and imbued with God’s life. This transformation, profound yet invisible, marks the beginning of your salvation journey. However, this spiritual rebirth primarily affects your eternal destiny, leaving your earthly experiences unchanged. That’s where the next phase comes in.

Phase Two: Salvation of the Soul

Our soul—encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will— is the aspect of ourselves that directly interacts with the world. Here, the battleground lies. Temptations, fears, anxieties, and the daily struggles against sin play out in the realm of the soul. James 1:21 urges us to save our souls through the power of the Word, implying an ongoing, active process. This is your arena for renewal of the mind and transformation, where you can manifest the fruits of a saved spirit in real-time decisions and actions.

Phase Three: Salvation of the Body

Finally, Romans 8:23 points to the ultimate phase—the redemption of our body. This future event will see our mortal frames transformed into glorified, eternal bodies free from sickness, decay, and death. It’s the final act in God’s salvation narrative, where the spiritual, the soulful, and the physical converge in a triumphant crescendo.

Meditate

Reflect on the current phase of your salvation journey. How are you actively participating in the salvation of your soul today?

Apply the Word

Your spirit is already victorious in Christ. Now, focus on liberating your soul from the practical effects of sin. Embrace prayer, scripture study, and fellowship to strengthen your inner being. As Philippians 2:12 says, work out your salvation with fear and trembling—an active, daily pursuit of holiness.

Pray

Bless the Lord for the comprehensive gift of salvation. Ask Him to help you actively engage in the process of saving my soul, relying on Your Word and Spirit to guide and strengthen me each day.