“[H]ow will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:3
Each of my kids has a special account at the bank. In exchange for a better interest rate on their deposits, they can’t any money out until they turn eighteen. Sometimes I think we treat our salvation that way, as if it were some glorious thing, held on reserve for us until we die. Granted, the eternal life doesn’t kick in until after we die, but Jesus intended for us to benefit from our relationship with Him now, in the course of our normal everyday lives.
So what is your salvation doing for you?
It gives you unlimited access to the King of the Universe. No limit to the prayers you can offer, the requests you can make, the time you can spend. (Hebrews 4:16)
It gives you the indwelling Holy Spirit. The mind-blowing reality is that God Himself comes to live inside us, taking over the reins of our lives, directing us in ways that never would appeal to us before we became believers. Those acts of kindness you do, those brilliant flashes of insight, those times you step out on faith, the Holy Spirit is behind all those. (John 14:16-17)
It gives you a purpose and the power to accomplish it. No more floating along wondering what in the world is going on and why you’re here in the middle of it. God has a unique kingdom work for you. (John 15:16)
It gives you freedom from performance. No more trying to earn God’s favor. You have it. Forever. Pressure is replaced by peace. (Ephesians 1:3-6)
And on and on… Here’s the thing– when we treat salvation only as a past event or even as a future hope, we miss the great work going on in our lives each and every day. After all, God only does great work. (Philippians 1:6)
By the way, these are just the first four I came up with. Feel free to add your own in the comments.