All right, Pastor John, today we address a controversy that you stirred up online back

on September 25th of last year, 2017.

Just as Protestants around the globe were beginning to celebrate the Reformation's 500th birthday

you spoiled the party with an article titled, Does God Really Save Us By Faith Alone?

Which you answered, No, We Are Not Saved By Faith Alone?

Leaving Protestants everywhere, dumbfounded and scratching their heads.

In wishing more clarity here, a podcast listener named Sam wrote us to ask this.

Hello Pastor John, I've read your article on justification saying that we are justified

by faith alone, but we are not ultimately saved by faith alone.

You argue that works must be present for final salvation or glorification to be completed.

Two questions for you, number one, can you explain this a little further on air?

And number two, what then is the link between justification and glorification?

From what I see in Romans 8.30, glorification is secured by our justification.

How would salvation and works fit between the link here in Paul's mind?

Well thank you Sam, I love to talk about this issue because it is endlessly perplexing

for people and every effort we can make to clarify it the better.

So let's start with some clarifications.

The biblical term salvation is used to cover past, present and future dimensions of God's

work to bring us into everlasting perfection and joy.

Ephesians 2.8, having been saved.

First Corinthians 1.18, we are being saved.

Romans 13.11, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

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