Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 (Tek) 9/28/84 based on 9/17/84; site teklds.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxt!houxm!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!tektronix!teklds!kene From: kene@teklds.UUCP (Ken Ewing) Newsgroups: net.religion.christian Subject: Spirit, Soul, Body, and Salvation (2 of 2) Message-ID: <1083@teklds.UUCP> Date: Mon, 30-Sep-85 12:05:35 EDT Article-I.D.: teklds.1083 Posted: Mon Sep 30 12:05:35 1985 Date-Received: Thu, 3-Oct-85 03:49:19 EDT Distribution: net Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR Lines: 66 [------------------------------------------] In my last article I briefly compared the differences between the ancient Hebrew and Greek ideas on the nature of Man. Now I would like to talk about how salvation (i.e.; being "born again") relates to the Hebrew concept (since Christianity originally began from that perspective). The New Testament speaks of salvation in three tenses: past, present, and future. Examples: Eph. 2:8 -- For by grace you have been saved through faith... (PAST) Phil. 2:12 -- ...work out your salvation in fear and trembling... (PRESENT) Rom. 5:10 -- ...we shall be saved by His life. (FUTURE) The concept of salvation is multi-facted, and each of these tenses illustrates a different but related aspect of salvation. PAST This refers to the aspect called JUSTIFICATION. This is where the guilt of our sin is dealt with. It is described as past because Jesus paid the debt for our fallenness once and for all on the cross. It's over and done with, and we can do nothing to add or detract from it. This aspect is also associated with the REGENERATION OF THE SPIRIT. PRESENT This refers to the aspect called SANCTIFICATION. This is where our mind and being are renewed. It is described as present because it is a continuing, life-long process. As we respond to the work of Christ and seek guidance and growth, the Holy Spirit brings about a continual, gradual renewal of mind (SOUL?). (Lately, I tend to place wholeness and healing under this aspect as well). FUTURE This refers to the aspect called GLORIFICATION. This is the full, final renewal of our physical bodies. It is described as future because it is yet to come (obviously). At that time the goodness in which we (i.e.; mankind, the universe) were created will be restored, and the fallenness and sin that we now struggle with will be removed. This aspect is also associated with the REDEMPTION OF OUR BODIES. Even though we discuss these ideas separately, we must remember that from the Hebrew perspective, a person is not separable into parts. Each "part" coexists with the others and intimately affects the others. Justification opens a channel of the spirit to God and allows the power of the Holy Spirit into the soul and body as well. The fallenness of the body wages war against the renewal of the mind. People into wholistic health recognize that when there is disease in the body, the mind and spirit are affected as well. The preceding points can be summarized in the following chart: Aspect of Aspect of Person /Time Ref./ Salvation / Source / Effect ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spirit | PAST | Justification | The Cross | Removes the guilt | | | | of sin | | | | Soul | PRESENT | Sanctification | Daily Cooperation | Renewal of our minds | | | with the Holy Spirit| by instilling in | | | | us the Mind of Christ | | | | Body | FUTURE | Glorification | The Second Coming | Removes the presence | | | | of sin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ken Ewing [decvax,ucbvax]!tektronix!teklds!kene