What is the Mission?

What is the church’s commission? What is the church’s mission? The study of the church’s mission is called missiology.

The Witness and Light

What is a witness? Where were the disciples to witness?

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NASB)

What is a light? What does that light bring?

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." (Acts 13:47 NIV)

A Short Term Mission Trip

Short term mission trips are as old as Jesus sending the 70. First, notice a strange word. The Greek word for “apostle” is also a verb. We don’t use it that way in English. Let’s see.

“… the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent [apostled] them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1 NKJV)

How does this compare to many short-term missions trips today?

Two by Two

There is great wisdom in going two by two, providing encouragement and protection in dangerous areas.

Where He was to Go

Notice that these missionaries were also sent in anticipation of Jesus’ arrival, into every city and place where Jesus was about to go. It was new, not old ground. Sending missionaries to repair churches and give health care is good, but it is not what these were sent on. These were pioneers.

It’s a Big Job

Pioneer missionaries have a big job.

The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10:2 NKJV)

This mission prepared for Jesus’ arrival. Short term missions should prepare for Jesus’ arrival in the sense of His teachings.

Lambs Among Wolves

The dangers are made quite clear.

Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. (Luke 10:3 NKJV)

The world uses slander, violence and murderous threats like wolves. Christians are supposed to be more like lambs.

A Journey of Faith

Although in later missions, people could carry money and changes of clothing, that was not the case here.

Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. (Luke 10:4 NKJV)

They were not to carry money, bag or spare sandals. Why? It was an exercise in faith. This is very different to many short-term missions today. Do we lack faith or willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel?

Greet No One

There was no time for idle chatter. There was a sense of urgency, focus and drive to their mission. How many missions waste time taking in the sights and other non-mission focused pursuits?

Bring Peace

We notice that an offering of peace was made, which may be stated in different terms in our language.

But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. (Luke 10:5-6 NKJV)

This greeting tested their welcome, whether the peace of the Gospel might also be welcome.

Stay Put

They stayed where they were welcomed, not different nights in different places. This would provide a certain amount of stability, making it easier for the curious to find them.

And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. (Luke 10:7 NKJV)

The Laborer is Worthy

This is not a call to be a freeloader, because the Gospel is work. Churches should provide some stipend, no matter how minuscule, for their local pastor. This is the Lord’s will.

Learn to Shake it Off

When we are not made welcome, shake it off and move on. A small ritual can help.

But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. (Luke 10:10-11 NKJV)

This was bad news for them. Jesus said it would be more tolerable for Sodom on judgment day than that city.

Joy

The mission brings joy, but we should rejoice more that our names are written in heaven.

Why Go

We declare His works among the nations.

… Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. (Psalm 96:1-3 NKJV)

Long before people will hear a preacher, they will hear lay people. What do they hear out of our mouths? How can they believe if they have not heard?

… how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? (Romans 10:13-14 NLT)

The Great Commission

Jesus gave what many call the Great Commission. What is that all about?

… Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

Having Gone

The first verb is “go.” It literally means “having gone.” We don’t go if we stay home, hide in an isolated monastery, an exclusive church group, if we are not friendly with outsiders, if we are not hospitable. We’re not all called to foreign lands, but we should mix with our communities.

Make

To “make” disciples means make an effort, and not just wait around. It is called “outreach.” That can be advertising, personal invitation, and so on. We can’t be lazy Christians. We must make some kind of an effort to be involved in our communities, and share Jesus’ teachings.

Of All Nations

This means that we mix culturally. It may be a new adventure, learning new things, and developing new friendships. Don’t insult their culture, language or religion, but do be hospitable and tactfully tell them about Jesus.

Baptizing

Baptizing new converts is usually the job of a church leader, but we can baptize them with our love and shower them with our friendship. Few people come to Jesus because of a pastor. Most do so because of a friend. Most churches baptize in the singular name of the three, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, because churches with a healthy theology believe in the Trinity.

Teaching Them

Teaching what Augustine, or Luther, or Chrisostom taught is not so important, as teaching what Jesus taught. Jesus takes priority. A short-term catechism or pre-baptismal teaching course is only the beginning of a Christian’s life-time of learning. It takes years to learn and understand the depths. Lifelong learning is important.

I am with You

Jesus said He would send the Comforter, but He is also with us always. The missionary leaving is a good thing for the development of the new church, but Jesus will never leave us.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

Summary

Our commission is to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The first missionaries went two by two to prepare the way for Jesus to come. We should not be merely “swapping sheep” between churches, but looking for “lost sheep.” The disciples were to make disciples, baptize and teach them what Jesus had commanded.

Christian Hospitality

How important is it to be a welcoming church? How are we received? How do we receive faithful Bible teachers, each other, and new or weak disciples? Let’s look at the importance of hospitality in Matthew 10:40-42.

Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman… she said to her husband… let us make a small upper room on the wall… he can turn in there.”

… he had called her… What can I do for you? … Then he said, “About this time next year you shall embrace a son.” And … the woman conceived, and bore a son… (2 Kings 4:8-17 NKJV)

This is a wonderful story of hospitality. A wealthy woman and her husband went to considerable trouble and expense building a spare room for Elisha to rest on his journeys. He learned that she was childless. The prophet said she would bear a child. God rewarded her for remarkable hospitality.

“He who receives you [plural] receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” (Matthew 10:40 NKJV)

Do we receive Christians of other theological persuasions? If Calvinists, Arminians, Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox also receive Jesus, do we receive them? Why would we NOT receive anyone who receives Jesus? We MAY not accept some details of their doctrines, but do we receive them as fellow believers in Jesus?

“He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” (Matthew 10:41 NKJV)

A prophet proclaims a divine message. A prophet is someone to whom God reveals His truth, and through whom He speaks. OT prophets preached salvation, grace and glory yet to be accomplished. NT prophets preach of salvation and grace already accomplished, and glory yet to be fulfilled in the future.

A righteous man acts on a divine message. Bengel’s Gnomon says, “A prophet is one who speaks, a righteous man one who acts, in the name of God, and is distinguished for his remarkable righteousness.” Welcome a preacher or righteous person, and we receive the same reward in eternity.

“And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42 NKJV)

A glass of water is the least hospitable thing that we can do for a guest. Who is a little one? Is it broadly applicable to different people? It seems they are a disciple. New Christians, humble Christians, Christians with faulty theology, certain addictions or habitual sins are little ones.

Jesus gave four points on hospitality: 1) Receive you, and receive Jesus. 2) Receive a preacher of truth, though all are faulty. 3) Receive those righteous by faith in Jesus, though still faulty. 4) Receive new or weak disciples, though little or not yet righteous, give them a warm welcome.

In this context, Jesus was not speaking about hospitality towards false prophets or other unrepentant troublemakers. He spoke of various levels of discipleship, from the original twelve to the littlest disciple. Let’s be thankful for those who receive us. Let’s welcome faithful preachers of truth, the righteous and little ones.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

References

Johann Albrecht Bengel. Gnomon Novi Testamenti, Exegetical Annotations on the New Testament. 1742.

Bullinger, Rev. Ethelbert W. A. Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament. London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1895. 2008 TheBible.org

Readings

Genesis 22:1-14 “The best evidence of our fearing God is our being willing to honour him with that which is dearest to us, and to part with all to him, or for him.” (John Wesley’s Commentary)

Psalm 13 In moments of despair trust in His love, rejoice in His salvation, sing of His goodness

Jeremiah 28:5-9 "Those who do not declare the alarming as well as the encouraging parts of God's word, and call men to repentance, and faith, and holiness, tread in the steps of the false prophets." (Matthew Henry’s Commentary)

Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 a throne forever, fulfilled in a descendant of David

Romans 6:12-23 in Jesus we have complete victory over sin

Matthew 10:40-42 in Rhyme

He who receives you, receives Me
Receives the One who sent Me, He
Receive a prophet in his name
And receive his reward, the same

Receives the righteous in his name
And receive his reward, the same
Give a little one just water
A disciple, son or daughter

Believe me, you won’t be ignored
You’ll by no means lose your reward

What is the Church?

What is the church? Why the church? How is the church governed? What are the most important rituals of the church? What does the church do?

What is the church?

The Greek Term

The early church borrowed a Greek term, meaning a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into a public place. From the Greek word ekklésia we call the study of the church ecclesiology. The word church can describe a home church in a certain city, as most churches were in those days.

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours (1 Corinthians 1:2 NASB)

The word church can mean the church in a region or province.

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (Acts 9:31 NIV)

The word church can even refer to the universal church.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11 NLT)

The Hebrew Term

This Old Testament word for church also meant “assembly, company, and congregation.”

You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. (Exodus 12:6 NASB)

As we have seen, in the Bible the word church usually refers to the people of God not a building.

Metaphors of the Church

The church is called the body of Christ, a family, a vine and branches, the pillar and ground of the truth, God’s field, God’s building, a spiritual building, a living temple that is still under construction, a holy temple, a royal priesthood and a holy nation, composed of living stones built around a cornerstone, salt and light.

Why the church?

Jesus said that he would build his church and that the gates of Hades, a pagan Greek term referring to the abode of the dead, would not prevail against the church. In other words, the church would not cease as each passing generation dies.

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18 NIV)

One purpose for the church is a place where the Lord gathers those who will be saved.

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47 KJV)

The church is a gathering of disciples to be taught what Jesus taught.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20 NLT)

The church is a place for testimony about what God has done.

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. (Acts 15:4 NIV)

Church gatherings are for believers to be strengthened in faith.

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. (Acts 16:5 NKJV)

The church is a place to be spiritually fed.

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:28 NIV)

The church is a place for prophecy or inspired preaching.

… one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. (1 Corinthians 14:4 NLT)

The church is a place for collections for the saints.

Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God's people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. (1 Corinthians 16:1 NLT)

The church is a gathering to learn of God’s wisdom.

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 3:10 NIV)

The assembly of the saints is a place to get spiritually cleansed.

… Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish… (Ephesians 5:25-28 NKJV)

The church is a convocation to sing God’s praises.

… “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” (Hebrews 2:12 ESV)

The church is also a place to be healed.

… Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:13-15 NKJV)

How is the church governed?

Holy Scripture is flexible enough to allow variety in the manner that we govern churches, called church polity. There is great leeway for adaptability to local culture and the leadership styles and personality types of local leaders. Episcopal, Presbyterian, Congregational, and unstructured formats exist. Each preference has strengths and weaknesses.

Formal Leadership

Church leaders are called elders, and sometimes presbyters or priests.

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23 NIV)

Bishop originally was an alternative to the word elder, an overseer of a local church.

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1 NKJV)

Alongside the elders came a group of men and women who took care of church business called deacons.

In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity… (1 Timothy 3:8-13 NLT)

Some churches approach these offices very formally and others very informally, yet all churches have leaders who fit into these same broad categories of leading or serving, and ought to be qualified by living within these minimal standards of Christian conduct.

What are the rites of the church?

The two most important rites of the church are observed by all Christians. One rite uses water. The other uses bread and a cup.

The Water

Baptism has always been a practice of the church. It was instituted by Jesus himself.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them… (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)

The Bread and Wine

On that Passover before his crucifixion, at the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the elements of bread and wine.

“This is my body [“is” is a mystery, a sacrament], which is for you; do this [do is an ordinance] in remembrance of me [communion is a memorial].” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is [again “is,” a mystery or sacrament] the new covenant in my blood; do this [again “do,” an ordinance], whenever you drink it, in remembrance [again, a memorial] of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26 NIV)

Summary

The church is a gathering, or assembly. It does not primarily refer to the building, but the congregation. The church is a gathering for those who will be saved, a place to be taught, a place for testimony, to be strengthened in faith, to be spiritually fed, for prophecy or inspired preaching, for collections for the saints, to learn of God’s wisdom, to be spiritually cleansed, to sing God’s praises, to be healed, to be baptized, to receive the Lord's Supper, and to bless others.

Confessing Jesus

Do we stand for what is right or do we let the world bully us into silence about our faith? Are we courageous disciples? Let’s examine confessing Jesus in the midst of opposition in Matthew 10:24-39. 

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” (Matthew 10:24-25 NKJV)

Have we ever been insulted or harassed for our faith? Does it discourage us? Were we ridiculed because we believe in Jesus, the Resurrection or that the Bible is God’s Word? Take the mockery as a wonderful compliment. Receive the verbal abuse as unwitting praise. Use it to be encouraged!

“Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” (Matthew 10:26 NKJV)

Many overbearing and vocal bullies dominate conversations across the church. We certainly can have faith that, “there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” But, we also need to speak up and not be afraid. Jesus encouraged us not to be silent.

“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.” (Matthew 10:27 NKJV)

Do we confess Christ bravely and preach on the housetops? Heretical winds of doctrine, ancient but vain traditions, materialistic and nationalistic false Gospels bully those who believe in historic Christianity. In authoritarian countries Christian churches are bulldozed and believers are imprisoned or murdered. Yet, faith is the opposite of fear.

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:28-31 NKJV)

Even murderous persecutors cannot touch our souls. Where is God when Christians are persecuted? We are highly treasured by God. Though He may not save our bodies, He is with us during the most severe trials, and will do the most important thing, which is the saving of our souls.

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33 NKJV)

Christians are encouraged to publicly confess Jesus, and will not be bullied into silence. If persecutors harass, the most they can do is take our physical lives, not our eternity. Let’s acknowledge our faith in Jesus and the Bible openly before others without fear. Let’s not be bullied into silence.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:34-37 NKJV)

Jesus explained that faith sometimes divides even families. God allowed our first parents to choose an opposing way of life, and we believe that God knew what He was doing with Adam and Eve. And so, we have hope that He has a plan for our unbelieving family members too.

“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39 NKJV)

Sugar-coated sermons are for baby Christians. We are at war against corruption and greed. We abandon our selfish life and adopt a selfless life. How do we do this? We give instead of take, die to selfishness, admit we cannot solve even our own problems, and Jesus is the way?

Do we stand for what is right or do we let the world, or watered down Christianity so-called, push us around and tell us to be quiet? Jesus wants us not to fear, to speak, to shout from the housetops, confess Him, love Him first and trust Him enough to give our lives to Him.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Genesis 21:8-21 Abraham became father of the faithful, not because he was perfect, but because he had faith

Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 This Psalm is modeled on earlier Psalms and is a model for prayer

Jeremiah 20:7-13 the prophet, in fulfilling his duties, is the object of scorn, yet God’s word burns within him

Psalm 69:7-18 family estrangement is a sometime result of following God, which a true believer gladly bears

Romans 6:1-11 Christians reckon themselves dead to sin and alive in Christ

Matthew 10:24-39 in Rhyme

They called the master Beelzebub
Disciples are in the same club
Don’t fear! What’s hidden will be known
All that’s covered up will be shown

What I tell you, speak in the light
And preach it from the housetops’ height
Don’t fear what kills the physical
Fear Him who has the spiritual

He cares for all the little birds
Your life’s worth more, and it He guards
Who confesses Me before men
I’ll confess before God in heav’n

I didn’t come for peace on earth
But family strife to call forth
So, take your cross and follow Me
Lose your life, gain eternity

What is Salvation?

What is salvation? How does it work? Are there components of salvation? In Greek the word for Savior or Deliverer is σωτήρ (soter) and so we call the study of salvation soteriology.

What is salvation?

Temporal Salvation

When enthusiastic Christians ask others if they have been saved, many don’t even know what that means. Salvation in the Bible refers both to a physical and spiritual rescue. In the case of ancient Israel, they were saved from slavery in Egypt.

Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. (Exodus 14:30 KJV)

Later Israel was saved from many national calamities. Many individuals were saved from personal misfortune or sickness.

O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone! (Jeremiah 17:14 NLT)

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us (Luke 1:68-71 ESV)

Eternal Salvation

More important than temporary physical salvation is permanent eternal salvation, humanity saved from sin and the consequences of it. What makes the salvation of the world possible is Jesus Christ.

They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42 NIV)

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14 NASB)

Facets of Salvation

Although salvation can refer to being saved from a calamity or sickness, generally it refers to eternal salvation, and contains several important aspects. 

Election

In the New Testament the people, who are often referred to as the church of God, become God’s elect and it is a group open to all people of the world.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Calling

We are called to be holy, set apart by God, which is what the word saint means.

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7 KJV)

Regeneration

Regeneration is a strange word, almost machine-like to our modern ears, but let’s understand that it is also called being born again or born from above.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God… I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:1-7 NLT)

Conversion

In Greek the word conversion is ἐπιστροφή (epistrophé) meaning a turning about. The process of conversion involves repentance and faith.

repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21 KJV)

Christian Unity in Christ

The divisions between Christians are only worldly. In reality there is no division between genuine Christians because we are one body in union with Christ.

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Romans 12:5 KJV)

Justification

In Greek the word for justification is δικαίωσις (dikaiosis) and means simply declared righteous. It can also mean an acquittal, a declaration of “not guilty” even though we were guilty. God declares sinners righteous because of Jesus’ righteousness not because we were blameless.

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin… and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus… For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. (Romans 3:20; 24, 28 NIV)

Adoption

In ancient times there was often no difference between an adopted child and a natural born one. An adopted child received all the rights and privileges of a biological child. That is the meaning in the Bible. We have a special relationship as an adopted child of God.

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26 NLT)

How do we know if we are children of God? Are we led by the Spirit of God?

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:14 NLT)

Sanctification

Sanctify means to set apart or dedicate something for special use. In the New Testament Jesus prayed that his disciples would be sanctified in the truth, God’s word is truth.

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17 NIV)

We are also sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV)

We are also sanctified in Jesus Christ.

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV)

Even an unbelieving spouse is sanctified by being married to a believing spouse.

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14 NASB)

Christians often pray when they eat because food is sanctified by prayer.

For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:5 KJV)

Perseverance

If we hold steadfast throughout life we are partakers with Christ, who will help us through to receive the promise of eternal life.

For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. (Hebrews 3:14 NLT)

Glorification

Glorification has to do with the high honor and spiritual bodies that we have in eternity.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV)

Summary

Salvation can refer to being saved from physical problems, but ultimately and primarily refers to being saved from death and hell. Salvation is a process that includes such things as calling, election, rebirth, conversion, unity in Christ, justification, adoption, being made holy, persevering and being glorified in eternity.