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Have you ever embarked on a road trip to an unfamiliar destination? At first, you rely heavily on your map or GPS, carefully following each turn and landmark. But after making the journey multiple times, you begin to internalize the route. The once-daunting trip becomes enjoyable as you confidently navigate, knowing where you've been and where you're going.

In many ways, our spiritual journey of salvation mirrors this experience. While understanding every detail isn't necessary, growing in our comprehension of how God saves us can deepen our appreciation and strengthen our perseverance. Just as a familiar route makes a journey more enjoyable, knowing the landmarks of our salvation can help us stand firm amidst life's trials and temptations.

Let's explore seven key steps on the roadmap of salvation, remembering that from beginning to end, salvation is the work of God.

1. Chosen by the Father

Before the foundation of the world, before time itself began, God the Father chose those who would be saved. As Ephesians 1:4-5 beautifully states, "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will."

This doctrine of election, while sometimes challenging to grasp, is a testament to God's sovereign love and grace. It's not about our worthiness, but about His mercy.

2. Called through the Gospel

The good news of Jesus Christ – His life, death, and resurrection – is the means by which God calls us to salvation. This call goes out to all who hear the message, but for those chosen by God, it becomes an effectual call. Like a powerful voice awakening us from spiritual slumber, the gospel breaks through our resistance and opens our eyes to God's truth.

3. Made Alive by the Spirit

The prophet Ezekiel foresaw a time when God would give His people new hearts, removing hearts of stone and replacing them with hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26-27). This miraculous transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit, who brings spiritual life to those dead in sin.

Think of Lazarus, dead for four days, responding to Jesus' call to come out of the tomb. Just as Lazarus needed divine power to obey that command, we too need the Spirit's regenerating work to respond to the gospel call.

4. Responding with Faith and Repentance

While the first three steps are entirely God's work, here we see our necessary response. Faith and repentance are two sides of the same coin – we turn away from our sins (repentance) and turn toward Christ in trust (faith).

Imagine a child at the edge of a pool, with their father in the water below, arms outstretched. The child must both turn away from the safety of solid ground and trust their father to catch them. This is the essence of saving faith and repentance.

5. United with Christ

Upon our response of faith, we are spiritually united with Christ. This profound truth means that what is true of Jesus becomes true of us. His death becomes our death to sin. His resurrection becomes our new life. His righteousness becomes our righteousness. Even His future glory becomes our promised inheritance!

As Romans 6:5 declares, "For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His."

6. Persevering by Obedient Faith

Knowing all that God has done for us – choosing us, calling us, regenerating us, uniting us with Christ – we are called to stand firm in the faith. This isn't a passive waiting game, but an active clinging to the truths we've been taught.

Importantly, we don't do this alone. We persevere together as part of a community of believers, encouraging and supporting one another until Christ's return.

7. Preserved by God Himself

While we are called to persevere, our ultimate hope rests not in our own strength, but in God's faithfulness. He who began the good work in us will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). Every soul chosen by God will be preserved to the very end.

As Romans 8:29-30 assures us, "For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified."

Reflecting on Our Journey

Understanding this roadmap of salvation can deepen our gratitude and strengthen our faith. However, it's crucial to remember that intellectual understanding, while valuable, is not the same as saving faith.

The thief on the cross didn't comprehend all these theological nuances, yet Jesus promised him paradise. Why? Because he turned from his sins and put his trust in Christ.

As you reflect on this divine roadmap, ask yourself: Have I truly turned from my sins and placed my trust in Jesus? If not, today is the day to take that step. If you have, let this overview of God's saving work fill you with renewed wonder and praise.

From eternity past to eternity future, our salvation is secure in the hands of our triune God – chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and sealed by the Spirit. May this truth comfort our hearts and establish us in every good work and word, as we journey towards our heavenly home.