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it is a regeneration of life (John 3 :16). Second, having been rightly related to God we are being saved through the overflow of His life through us. In this we are realizing the purposes of the life as the branch realizes its life through the flow of the life of the vine. That is known as growth in grace and sanctification. Third, in this flow of the divine life through us God is moving to the consummation of His purpose in which the life is perfected. Hence Salvation is an experience that "can be experienced in a moment of time, and a process of culture that continues through life and a climax which shall be realized at the consummation of the age.
transcendent life. It must come through men and women that are right with God. The man who in sists upon the old-fashioned doctrine of conversion is right in line with the deepest and best things brought to us by modern thought. In other words he is fully abreast of the times. In closing this study may I call your attention to the fact that salva tion as we have endeavored to define it at this time has three aspects whicft we would do well to keep in mind when reading the New Testament. First, we are saved in the sense of coming into right relations with God. That experience is what is known as regeneration. Men often speak o f it as conversion. Essentially, however,
Our Salvation By J. DENHAM SMITH "N ow is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” —Rom. 13:11.
N OT nearer being saved; For all who have believed Are saved; the Eternal word is pledged W e cannot be deceived.— Rom. 10:9. Not nearer having peace, For peace we have with G od; Sweet peace and pardon through the price O f sin-atoning blood.— Rom. 5:1. Not nearer being meet For our divine abode; Even now, “as He is so are we,” The righteousness of God.— Uohn 4:17.
Not nearer as to rank, Our title is secure;
Now are we sons and heirs of God Our heritage is sure.—1 John 3:1-3.
But we are nearer now (Oh, blissful, wondrous day!) The full redemption promised long, When death shall die away.— Eph. 1 :14.
The body, though redeemed, Must wait till Jesus come; >
He’ll call from earth, and from the grave, His ransomed people home.— Rom. 8:23.
High time it is to wake, With hope of bliss so dear; High time with earth’s dark night so spent, And heaven’s bright morn so near. — Rom. 13:11, 12.
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