What Does It Mean to Be Saved?: A Study in the Wonderfulness of Salvation

To completely and thoroughly answer the question "what does it mean to be saved?" is impossible. Why is that? I can think of a least four reasons and maybe there are additional reasons.

1. There is more yet to be revealed about what it means to be saved.

Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is (1 John 3:2 NLT).

2. Those who are saved cannot see clearly yet.

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT).

3. The benefits and the extent of God's salvation are beyond what those who are saved can understand.

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT).

4. For those who are saved, there is a personal, private, and sometimes secret special relationship between them and the Lord Jesus.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable (Hebrews 4:13 NLT).

Then why attempt to answer the question "what does it mean to be saved?" Because there is much that has been revealed about being saved. Because there is much that is being experienced by those who are saved. Besides, being saved is good news and there is no reason to keep good news a secret.

Readers will discover in this book descriptions and illustrations of many aspects and components for those who are saved. Although there are many components, it is important to remember that the components do not stand alone. They are parts of a whole. The components are complementary and supportive of each other. The components enhance and enrich each other. When all is considered, the clear conclusion is that it is wonderful to be a saved person.