I am not sure that any of us actually understand what the word “salvation” means, we know the verses in context, we know and give all praise and thanksgiving for the price beyond compare that was paid for us, throughout all eternity we will lift up the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God.
The Holy Spirit has placed within us the knowledge of the fact of salvation, of the truth of Ephesians 2:8.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
The emotions well up inside of us at times as another piece of our stony heart is dissolved by the heart of flesh that rejoices at these truths.
“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Prov. 4:18)
But the realization of that word “salvation” will never be fully upon us until a few moments after we take our last breath here, when we see Him who gave Himself for us in person, face to face.
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1st Cor. 13:12)
“My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:2)
Every person in heaven understands the truth of these words, every desire to have the flesh, our old nature destroyed finally realized, the truth that has set us free finally known in full, the work set before us here completed, and the words we have longed to hear since the moment we began to walk with our Savior finally heard for those who loved Him and obeyed Him.
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt. 25:21)
The fervency to serve well for His glory rewarded with a rest that cannot be comprehended here, the peace that passes all understanding no longer a fleeting moment, but lived in for all eternity.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)
To those of you that are holding onto this life with all your strength, who desire just one more day, one more hour of existence here on this earth, ask yourself why. Is it so you can reach out to just one more lost soul with the Gospels, so that one more person will hear the truths of that word “salvation?” So that one more brother or sister in Christ can be comforted, lifted up in fervent prayer, so that their doubts can be diminished, and they can increase their desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord?
Or is there something here on this earth that still has a grip on you, is there still a subtle fear of your final moments here, are there still doubts that fester in your mind?
No matter how much we try, no matter how much we submit to the will of the Holy Spirit, no matter the faith that we have been blessed with to believe all the promises given to us who have been born-again, none of us will fully understand what that word “salvation” means until we are glorified.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
On that day hope beyond hope will be realized, in that moment, and for every moment that will arrive after it, throughout all eternity, we will know, and we will always know the truths that have been revealed to us here.
Today we know in part, then fully.
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33)
Why do you cling to life here? Why is it so important for you to take that next breath, what is it here, on this earth, in this life that still holds you, that causes trepidations, even fear, when the thoughts of that last moment, that final breath enter into your mind?
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21)
The realization of the indisputable truth of that word “salvation” will be realized the moment you are glorified, set your face like a flint towards that day, living every moment for His glory.
