Conclusion: The Area of Salvation

The concept presented in this book is that there are three areas of redemption. We have termed the first area salvation. The meaning of salvation, as we are using the word, is that we have been separated from the ranks of those who will be destroyed because of God's wrath on sin. In the Scripture, however, the term salvation sometimes is employed to denote the entire scope of transformation into a son of God (Hebrews 2:3).

The concept of salvation is that of deliverance from destruction, whereas the entire plan of transformation includes not only deliverance from destruction but also the removal of the guilt, tendencies, and effects of sin from us; the creation in us of the image of the Lord Jesus Christ; and our incorporation into the Being of Christ in God.

One of the clearest types of basic salvation, as we have seen, is the story of Noah's Ark and the flood. Noah and the flood portray in symbolic form the events attending the coming of our Lord and Savior, Christ. The destruction came from below and from above.

In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of the heaven were opened. (Genesis 7:11)

The "six hundredth year" speaks of the time when the Church comes into the image of God, the number six being the day of creation when man was made in God's image.

The citing of the exact day of the calendar ("the seventeenth day of the month") refers to the fact that God is specific about the judgment to come—it is a precise day and hour and in no manner will be left to random occurrence. The demons will not be tormented "before the time."

The "fountains of the deep" were broken up, indicating that the first part of the trouble will be the horrendous calamities and catastrophes that will result from the casting of Satan and his angels into the earth by the hand of Michael and his army (Revelation 12:12).

The "windows of the heaven were opened," portraying the wrath of God that will be poured from above after the natural disasters of earth have wreaked havoc on the planet.

Noah's Ark typifies all who are to be saved from the wrath of God (Romans 5:9). Those who are abiding under the blood of Christ need have no fear concerning the destruction that soon is to come on the world. The forces of judgment will serve to buoy up the believers in Christ.

Here, then, is the meaning of salvation in the Day of the Lord. Salvation is deliverance from the wrath that will be poured on the world because of its wickedness, and includes also the inheritance of peace and joy in Christ throughout the endless ages to come.

If we believe in Christ, are baptized in water, turn from our wicked ways, and serve God during the remainder of our years on the earth, we will be saved in the Day of Judgment. This is God's promise to us. We will be spared as was Rahab of old.

We have discussed salvation, the first area of redemption, from several viewpoints: the gate and Courtyard of the Tabernacle of the Congregation; the first major convocation of the Levitical feasts; the exodus from Egypt; the first three days of creation; Ezekiel's river to the ankles; thirtyfold bearing of the fruit of the Holy Spirit; the lowest level of Noah's Ark; the blood of the Lamb; the first anointing of David; and the first temptation of Christ.

It is of the greatest importance that a person be saved from the Divine wrath—that he or she believe in Christ as personal Savior and Lord. Apart from a saving knowledge of Christ there is no opportunity for proceeding to become all that God has determined concerning us. Apart from Christ we face a dreadful future.

Let us assume that our reader has believed in Christ as Lord and Savior. Where do we go from here? Is there more to the Divine plan of salvation than escape from the wrath of the Day of Judgment?

Yes, there certainly is. Do you have the desire to press forward in Christ, in His plan of redemption? Let us go on from here and consider what the Lord God of Heaven has in store for us.

Christ asks you: "Will you be saved?"

If your answer is Yes, He will bring you through death to the world and resurrection with Him to eternal life.

You then will be able to escape the wrath that soon is to fall upon the world. You will be permitted to stand before the Son of Man. You will abide as one of God's redeemed children throughout the measureless eons of eternity.

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