texts, salvation is spoken of as having been
received. Beyond controversy salvation is a present attainment.

Salvation By Grace And Not By Works.

Salvation from sin is by the grace of God. The word "grace" is defined by
lexicographers as favor or mercy. Grace is a characteristic in the nature
of God which offers mercy or favor though wholly unmerited by the
recipient. Man is an offender against God. Through repentance he finds
favor or grace in God's sight without any worthiness, excellence or
meritoriousness in himself, but because of the merciful nature of the
Lord. "For by grace are ye saved through faith." Eph. 2:8. "By grace ye
are saved." Ver. 5. "Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling,
not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,
which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." 2 Tim. 1:9.
"Being justified freely by his grace." Rom. 3:24.

If man could attain to salvation by works, then he could plead his own
merits; but we are taught that we can only plead the mercy of God. The
apostle says that salvation is "not of works, lest any man should boast."
Eph. 2:9. If it were by works man would have some cause for boasting; but
because it is wholly by grace, he has nothing of self in which to boast.
Again he says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost." Titus 3:5.

Salvation Perfect.

There is no weakness nor incompleteness in God's salvation. It saves to
"the uttermost." Heb. 7:25. Salvation is so complete that man requires no
additional cleansing or purifying to fit him for heaven.

The salvation to which the apostle had attained made him "ready to be
offered." There is no cleansing beyond the gates of death, but in this
life we are commanded to make ready. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow." This text proves the efficacy of the blood or
the completeness of salvation.

Also the following texts magnify the preciousness and perfectness of
redemption: "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be
clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse
you." Ezek. 36:25. "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me,
and I shall be whiter than snow." Psa. 51:7. "Ye are complete in him."
Col. 2:10. "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
1 John