The Two (2) Perspectives of Eternal Salvation

There is only one salvation ever mentioned in scripture. This one salvation, however, does have two perspectives. The first perspective of our Eternal Salvation is that which is bequeathed (Ephesians 1:11) to all of God’s children at the time of adoption, and is reserved (1 Peter 1:4) in heaven for them. The second perspective of our Eternal Salvation is that which is given to God’s obedient children as reward (Ephesians 1:14). This perspective of our salvation is given as an earnest, or a small amount provided in advance, in agreement with the promise that was made to Abraham. This is provided to us by measure in accordance with the judgment of Jesus Christ, as He acts out His role as Mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 12:24, Hebrews 8:6). This particular perspective of our Eternal Salvation is a stumbling stone to many, just as it was to the Jews. Sadly even today it causes many to be perplexed with passages such as Matthew 19:16, Luke 10:25, John 3:15, John 6:54, John 10:28, John 17:2-3, Romans 2:7, Romans 6:23, 1 Timothy 6:12 & 19, Hebrews 5:9, just to randomly name a few.
The Holy Spirit and our Eternal Salvation are one in the same. The Holy Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance and our inheritance is our Eternal Salvation.
To further reflect upon 1 Peter 1:4, the inheritance, our Eternal Salvation, is reserved for us in heaven above. It is not given to us while we dwell here in this world, except as allowed in accordance with the judgment of Christ, in the form of the earnest.

“Jesus Christ became the author of eternal salvation only to those who obey Him. This word “author” is often incorrectly defined making Jesus the creator or the composer of eternal salvation, but this is not the correct definition. This word means that He became one functioning as an agent empowered to act for another. The Father has given Christ all power and authority and judgment over His people. He is the cause of eternal salvation. He is how one comes to obtain eternal salvation. This is inline with Paul’s teaching that Jesus is the mediator or arbitrator of the New Testament. Christ judges His people and those who obey receive from Him the earnest of the inheritance. Again, this is a passage which when read, without adding to or taking from its intended meaning, plainly says what was intended. Those who believe in Christ are judged worthy to receive the earnest of life and salvation. Only those who enter in through the door have the promise of life, which is only possible if we have entered into Him.”