There are several exciting spiritual words which are saying the same thing. Philippians 3:16 sets the stage for this study: “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained let us walk by the same rule.” Study some words which say the same thing and end at the same place:
“Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained let us walk by the same rule.”
- Redemption: This word “denotes to buy out, especially of purchasing a slave with a view to his freedom,” according to Vine. As Paul discussed spiritual blessings in Christ, he said: “In whom we have redemption through his blood. . .” (Eph.1:7). This word led the Holy Spirit to reveal: “For we are bought with a price. . .” (1 Cor. 6:20). Peter put it this way: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold. . . . But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18-19). This harmonizes with “. . . the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). This redemption is “in Christ” (Rom. 3:24). What a word!
- Reconciliation: This word takes one from being an enemy to being brought back to God. Colossians 1:21 sets up the mood for the study of this word. “And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.” Because “your iniquities have separated between you and your God” (Isa. 59:1-2), reconciliation is necessary. “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself . . . and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18-19). “It behooved” Christ “to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17). This reconciliation takes place “in one body” (Eph. 2:16), “the church” (Col. 1:24). Cherish this word!
- Justified: To be “justified” is to be acquitted of guilt. The Bible affirms that we are justified by: “God’s grace” (Rom. 2:20; Tit. 3:7); “faith” (Rom. 3:28; 5:1); “His blood” (Rom. 5:9); “works” (Jas. 2:24). These justified will also be “glorified” (Rom. 8:30).
- Salvation: Deliverance from sin best describes this word (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16). Eternal salvation comes at the end: “Receiving the end of your faith even the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 1:9). This “salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:5). It’s a “salvation nearer than when we believed” (Rom. 13:11). Salvation is “in Christ” (2 Tim. 2:10). “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The gospel and salvation go together (Eph. 1:13; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-2).
- Forgiveness means to “send forth” as one’s sins are remitted or forgiven. In Christ, “we have the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14). How great it is to know that under the law of Christ, unlike the law of Moses, “sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 8:12).
- Sanctified: Sanctification is used to show the separation of a believer from the world as he is set apart to serve God. Christians are called “saints,” showing they are sanctified (1 Cor. 1:1-2). Writing the Corinthians, Paul penned: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). God’s word sanctifies. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).
- The Church of Christ and the Kingdom: Not always, but often the church and the kingdom are the same. Like Matthew 16:18-19 where kingdom keys fit the church. Hebrews 12:23 and Hebrews 12:28 equate the words “church” and “kingdom.
- Inheritance in Eternity: The Scriptures talk about “eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12); “eternal salvation” (Heb. 5:9); “eternal inheritance” (Heb. 9:15); “eternal life” (Matt. 25:46; Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:12; Tit. 1:2; 1 John 2:25; 5:11). This is true because the Lord’s future blessings are in the form of inheritance (Matt. 25:34).
But remember to be in line to inherit: “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17). We are encouraged to be ready for this inheritance due to its greatness: “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved for you in heaven” (1 Pet. 1:4). You can have all these spiritual blessings by obeying the gospel, being in Christ and His body, the church and being “faithful unto death” (Rom. 10:16, Gal. 3:27; Rev. 2:10).
– J. Edwards