As we have already noted, words change meaning over the years. Sometimes they lose meaning through overuse. Sometimes they are mishandled, causing the true meanings to be corrupted or lost. The word "Christian" has been overused and mishandled over the years. It is the purpose of this study to regain its original and true meaning through the study of Biblical words and phrases.
The first word in our study is "Saved." Even this word has been overused and abused over time. The word "Saved" means "Delivered." By faith in Christ, you are delivered from the penalty of your sins. You are forgiven. Your record is cleansed. In God's eyes you are separated from the "lost" (those who are and will be condemned for their sins). You now can begin your journey that will deliver you from sin's power and ultimately from sin's presence. This will be explained more, after we consider the following Scriptures.
See Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10; John 3:16-18; 10:9 (vs. 7-11); Acts 2:46-47; 4:12; 16:31; Romans 5:8-9; 10:9-13; I Corinthians 1:18,21; Ephesians 2:8-10; I Timothy 1:15; II Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5. Note the word "delivered" in Colossians 1:12-14; I Thessalonians 1:8-10. Consider Matthew 19:23-26; I Corinthians 6:9-11; II Peter 2:9; I John 1:5 - 2:2.
Three-fold Salvation
In Scripture, there is a three-fold use of the word "saved" / "salvation". These three aspects need to be understood in proper order. Otherwise it will be confusing, if we mix them together. By studying these three aspects, we more fully understand God's intentions for saving us. We can appreciate more fully the nature of our salvation. This knowledge also helps us understand more completely what is required of us as we cooperate with God's work in our lives. We can be sure of our salvation now yet have more to look forward to in the future.
Note: The following outline will introduce some of the other words and terms which will be used in our definitions of "What Do You Call a Christian?"
Saved from the Penalty of Sin - Justification.
Justification means "to be declared righteous." This takes place in a moment, when you first trust Christ and receive Him as Lord & Savior.
See Romans 5:1, 9.
See also Romans 3:20-24; Acts 4:12; 16:31.
Saved from the Power of Sin - Sanctification.
Sanctification means "to be set apart for a holy purpose." This is an on-going work for the rest of your life.
See James 1:21; I Timothy 4:16.
See also II Timothy 3:15-17; Romans 6:6-12, 14, 17-18.
Saved from the Presence of Sin - Glorification.
Glorification is the ultimate and complete perfection of the believers. This takes place immediately after you die. You will enter His presence, as a sinless being. You will receive a glorified body when Christ returns for His church. It will happen in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.
See Romans 13:11; I Thessalonians 5:9-10 (cp. 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:51-58); Hebrews 9:28.
See also II Corinthians 5:1-8; Romans 8:16-18, 23, 28-30; Philippians 3:20-21.
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Are you saved? Have your sins been forgiven?
Are you being saved? Are you experiencing the work of God's Spirit, through Scripture, changing your desires and breaking the practices of your old ways? Do you find joy in learning to obey the Lord? Are you seeking to see yourself become more like the Son of God in both character and actions?
Are you going to be saved? Are you tired of this world's agenda and eager for Christ to come and establish His Kingdom on earth? Do you long for a new heaven and a new earth in which there will be true love, righteousness and peace?
Do you need to be saved?
Do you know how to be saved?
Repent (change your mind about your sin and your love for this world) and Believe (love, trust and depend) on The Lord Jesus Christ, who came to die for your sins and to deliver you from the penalty of your sins and from the power of sin in your heart and in this world. His resurrection verifies your salvation if you…
Call on the Lord. Ask Him to save you. He will deliver you to a new life now and to a new world in the future. | 
