The idea of being saved is viewed in three ways in the N.T. The Bible speaks of being saved as something that has already happened (past tense), something that is still in progress (present tense), and something that is yet future (future tense). To view salvation in every passage the same way is poor exegesis. This problem has added to the confusion of whether or not a person’s sins are washed away upon obeying the gospel and whether or not being born again is an ongoing process (taking months or even years), or something that happens in a relatively short period of time as one obeys the gospel. The problem is caused by not understanding the difference between being saved from past sins and being saved by working out one’s salvation after he is born again. You see, the truth is this: being born again spiritually is analogous to being born physically. A child is born in a relatively short period of time, but that only marks the beginning of his life, doesn’t it? After a child is born, he then grows and develops as time goes on. Birth is not the end of a person’s life, it is the beginning. So it is when a person is born spiritually. He is born in a relatively short period of time, that is, whatever time it takes for him to hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized. Then, after the birth, the new babe in Christ begins to grow and develop. Again, birth is not the end spiritually, it is just the beginning. Now, this whole process of being born, becoming a new creature in Christ, and then growing in Christ, is reflected by the different ways in which the word “saved” is used in scripture. Now let’s look at it.

1. Saved (past tense).

Romans 8:24

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Titus 3:4-5

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

2 Saved (present tense).

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you— unless you believed in vain.

Philippians 2:12

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

3. Saved (future tense).

Romans 5:10

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

1 Corinthians 5:5

you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:8

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

So then, a discussion of salvation should always center around what stage of salvation is under consideration. To deny that our sins are forgiven when we obey the gospel is to deny the many passages that speak of being saved in the past tense. On the other hand, to teach that a person cannot fall from grace calls into question passages that speak of salvation in the future tense, indicating that our salvation is not a foregone conclusion. Finally, to teach that we are saved by faith alone, and that it happens the moment we believe in Jesus with mental assent, denies passages that teach us that we are right now “working out our salvation.” What we need to do is keep every passage on salvation in its context and interpret it depending on the text.