Our Wonderful Salvation: How Did It All Begin?

 

Welcome back to my blog. Over the next few weeks, we are going to explore the beautiful, multi-layered description of our great salvation found in the Scriptures.

Many Christians view their salvation as a simple, isolated event—almost like crossing a street to reach the other side, with nothing else changing. Some even believe a person can easily cross back over and lose their status as a child of God. My friends, nothing could be further from the truth!

Our salvation is not a temporary decision; it is an eternal plan that began before the world was formed and will culminate when Christ returns. It is reinforced with divine safeguards that make it absolutely impossible for a true, born-again believer to ever be lost.

Let us open the Word together and examine the beginning of this amazing journey, tracing God’s plan from before time began up to the cross.

 

The Process of Salvation

 

The Plan of Salvation

• God’s first step was to create a plan to save man and remove the problem of sin that would be created by Adam and Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:15).
• Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, man fell and became depraved; he was unable to choose God or do good, fleeing from Him (Romans 3:10-12). Therefore, God graciously had to choose, before all time began, some to come to salvation (Ephesians 1:4,5,11; Romans 8:29-30).
• If God had not chosen, then nobody would have come to saving grace. God has always had to choose throughout the Bible to accomplish his work in the world (Romans 9:7ff).

Bringing Us to Salvation 

• Because man would not choose God and did not understand God, the Holy Spirit had to intervene In in those God chose and convict them of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8).
• Further, God had to drag future Christians to Himself to believe (John 6:44). Interestingly, the word used in the Greek (the original language of the New Testament) for ‘drag’ is ελκω (helko), which describes when fishermen cast a net and literally bring fish into their boat. As the fish do not come voluntarily, neither do we!  God had to literally force us to saving faith!

God Causes Us to Believe

• Our faith then made Christ’s sacrificial death and His resurrection efficacious for us to our salvation. The content of the gospel can be found here https://teleiosresearch.com/consider-the-gospel/. 

Figure 1. Timeline of Salvation

Please note the figure showing the chronological plan of Salvation throughout the Bible. Indeed, the Bible is the story of salvation through our precious Savior Christ. God, by His love and wisdom, created this plan, and realized it throughout history and will complete it in the future (Ephesians 1:4-8;10-11). 

 

Today, we have discussed the foundation of the plan and how God draws us to Himself. Next week, we'll discover what happens at the cross. 

 

What a great plan; what a great promise! To God be the glory who has done all the work of salvation, and nothing was left to us nor to chance. There is nothing we could have done past, present, or in the future to earn eternal life. God did it all; solo fide (only by faith).  

 

Thanks again for joining me,e and I look forward to seeing you again next time.  

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

What the Scripture and Survey Data Reveal about How God Leads (Part 1)

 

How does God lead His people today, and why do so many Christians feel uncertain about it?

God's leading plays a vital role in the Christian life, yet many believers struggle to explain clearly how it works. This confusion often leads to uncertainty in decision-making, spiritual growth, and daily obedience.

 

To better understand how Christians perceive God's guidance, Teleios surveyed adolescents and millennials who are active in Christian Instagram communities.

Teleios collected 437 responses, primarily from believers under 35 years old (80%), with most participants from the United States (55%) and Europe (9%). Respondents were identified mainly as evangelical (71%) or social Christians (23%). You can view the full report in God and Leadership: How Does God Lead?

Survey’s Key Findings:

·      46% believe that God leads them continuously, moment by moment 

·      28% say God leads through the Holy Spirit, using knowledge of Scripture as they act in faith 

·      18% remain unsure about how God leads 

When asked about God's plan for their lives:

·      53% believe that God has a distinct plan He will carry out 

·      20% believe that God's plan depends on their obedience 

·      12% believe that Christians have the freedom to choose their path while living by faith 

Regarding how God leads:

·      58% say that it's through the Bible 

·      51% say through the Holy Spirit 

·      25% say through emotions 

When asked why they believe their view is correct:

·      30% rely on their feelings 

·      25% rely on their personal experience 

·      20% rely on the Scripture 

These results reveal a critical gap: many Christians base their understanding of God's leading more on feelings and experience than on the Bible.

 

What Does the Bible Say About How God Leads?

Christians must ground their beliefs and daily decisions in Scripture. So instead of relying on opinion or emotion, we should ask: What does the Bible teach about God's guidance?

The Bible identifies clear sources of God's leading in the church age:

1.     God Leads Through His Word (the Bible)

God uses one primary medium to guide believers: His Word. Scripture provides truth, direction, and clarity for every area of life.

 

2.     God Speaks Through Christ

Hebrews 1:2 teaches that God speaks through His Son in this present age. Unlike in earlier times, God no longer uses methods such as dreams, visions, or prophets to reveal new truths. Instead, Christ communicates God's will through Scripture.

 

3.     The Holy Spirit Guides Through Truth

The Holy Spirit leads believers by teaching and reminding them of Christ's truth (John 14:6, 16:13). He uses Scripture as the foundation for guidance and equips believers to live it out (Ephesians 6:17).

Why the Bible Is the Foundation of God's Leading

The Bible is not just helpful; it is authoritative. It provides the complete and reliable basis for understanding God's will.

Here's how God established this authority:

• God revealed truth through Christ (John 8:40-45; John 14:6).
• Christ taught this truth to the apostles (John 17:7-8).
• The Holy Spirit guided the apostles, especially Paul, to fully communicate this truth (2 Timothy 3:16).
• The apostles taught and preserved this truth, which became the written Scriptures(Titus 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Peter 3:2).

As a result, the Bible now serves as the complete revelation of God's guidance for believers today.

The survey shows that many believers desire God's leading but often misunderstand how He provides it. While feelings and experiences may influence decisions, they cannot replace the authority of Scripture. God leads clearly and consistently through His Word, with the Holy Spirit helping believers understand and apply it.

Christians do not need to guess how God leads. He has already provided clear direction through the Scripture.

What a powerful resource God has given us through His Word. 

Join us next week as we discuss how the Bible teaches that God leads by practicing a very important lesson. Don't miss it. 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

How Biblical Truth on Salvation Boosts Your Well-being

Believing you are saved by God’s grace alone does more than secure your eternity—it improves your daily wellbeing. However, many young Christians still struggle with misconceptions about what actually happens at the moment of salvation.

Understanding these biblical truths builds your confidence and protects you from the weight of false guilt.

The Research: What Do Young Christians Believe?

A recent survey of 201 participants—primarily in the US (53), female (55%), <35 years old (67%), and evangelical (80%)—explored beliefs regarding salvation. While many recognized sound doctrine, the results revealed a significant need for deeper biblical teaching.

Key Findings on Salvation

The survey examined four critical areas of a believer’s new life:

Belonging and the Church

• 65% of participants believe salvation results in permanent adoption into God’s family.
• 37% recognized an immediate need to join a local community of believers.
• 34% identified that the Holy Spirit places them permanently into the universal church.
• 28% acknowledged that water baptism serves as a public expression of their faith in Christ.

Righteousness and Forgiveness

• 54% stated they are forgiven through faith in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
• 52% still feel the need to seek forgiveness daily for new sins.
• 34% recognize Jesus Christ as their advocate, ensuring no one can bring a claim against them.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• 54% believe the Holy Spirit indwells them permanently as a seal of their salvation.
• 57% noted that the Spirit regenerates them into a new person identified with Christ.
• 34% credit the Holy Spirit with providing the power to defeat sin in their daily lives.

The Impact of Regeneration

• 50% of respondents believe regeneration empowers them to live a holy life through the Holy Spirit.
• 35% recognize that regeneration creates a completely new identity in Christ.
• 30% believe they were baptized or regenerated by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation.

Full data can be found here: What happens after salvation?

Why This Matters for You

Discovering the full scope of your salvation through scripture is vital for a confident relationship with God. When you understand your eternal security and the benefits provided through grace, your mental and spiritual wellbeing thrives.

Take the next step: Invest time in investigating scripture to secure your foundation in these truths.

WILLIAM C. STEWART, MD

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Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

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Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice nor recommendation for any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and/or do your own research into the scriptures.