The concept of the "Completion of Salvation" is a significant theme within Christian theology, reflecting the culmination of God's redemptive plan for humanity. This doctrine encompasses the full realization of salvation, which begins with an individual's justification and continues through sanctification, ultimately reaching its fulfillment in glorification.

Biblical Foundation

The Completion of Salvation is rooted in the promises and teachings found throughout Scripture. In Philippians 1:6, the Apostle Paul expresses confidence in God's ongoing work in believers: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" . This verse highlights the progressive nature of salvation, which God initiates and brings to completion.

Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification

1. Justification: This is the initial act of God declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" . Justification is the foundation upon which the process of salvation is built.

2. Sanctification: Following justification, sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy, being conformed to the image of Christ. This is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul prays, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" .

3. Glorification: The final stage of salvation is glorification, where believers are fully transformed and receive their eternal inheritance. Romans 8:30 encapsulates this progression: "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified" . Glorification is the ultimate completion of salvation, where believers are perfected and dwell eternally with God.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Central to the Completion of Salvation is the person and work of Jesus Christ. His sacrificial death and resurrection are the means by which salvation is made possible. Hebrews 9:28 affirms, "so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him" . Christ's return is anticipated as the moment when salvation is fully realized.

Eschatological Fulfillment

The Completion of Salvation is closely tied to eschatological events, particularly the second coming of Christ and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. Revelation 21:3-4 provides a vision of this future reality: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away'" .

Assurance and Hope

The doctrine of the Completion of Salvation offers believers assurance and hope. It assures them of God's faithfulness to complete the work He has begun and provides hope for the future glory that awaits. In 1 John 3:2, believers are reminded, "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is" .

The Completion of Salvation is a testament to God's sovereign grace and the transformative power of the Gospel, promising a future where believers are fully restored and united with their Creator.