A careful study of nature and Scripture reveal a God of thorough providence. The invisible God has provided abundant visible proof of His existence and power (Romans 1:20). God’s divine power has given us all things necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). In Christ there is every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
As the apostle Paul’s epistle to the Romans makes crystal clear, the gospel—which is God’s power to salvation for everyone (Romans 1:16)—makes provision for humanity’s every need.
First, we need justification. We must have the guilt of our past sins pardoned. In Christ, this need is met by “being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
Next, we need sanctification. We must have the guilt and practice of besetting sins addressed. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).
Finally, we need glorification. We must have the stain and scars of sin removed when this life is over: “if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18).
Just as time has three dimensions—past, present, and future, God’s power to salvation has three dimensions—justification (to eradicate past guilt), sanctification (to eliminate present sinful habits), and glorification (to ensure future redemption of our body).
No wonder Paul was ever ready to preach the gospel (Romans 1:15)!
