THE LORDS PRAYER: SALVATION

The Lord’s Prayer: Salvation

Text: John 17:24–26
Theme: What salvation means to the believer

Introduction

“The whole purpose of submission, separation, and sanctification is to be one with God by Jesus Christ through the Spirit of God.”
(John 17:21–23; 1 Corinthians 12:13)

A.J. Gordon (1836–1895) —

“The Holy Spirit is the believer’s link with the unseen Christ. The Spirit’s indwelling presence makes real the fellowship which Jesus prayed we might have with the Father and with Himself.”

Three stages of salvation:

  1. Past – Doctrinal – Soul

  2. Present – Practical – Spirit

  3. Future – Eternal – Body

I. Salvation of the Soul (John 17:21–23)

  • Gives assurance—to be one with God, partaker of His divine nature.

  • Doctrinal truth: Colossians 2:11–13 — the soul is cut away, cleansed, regenerated by the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).

  • The soul died at first sin (Romans 7), made alive when born again by faith.

  • Your assurance is your confidence, identity, and eternal security.

Quotes:

John Gill (1697–1771) — “Salvation, being wholly of grace, excludes all boasting; it springs from the love of God, flows through the blood of Christ, and is applied by the Spirit.”
B.H. Carroll (1843–1914) — “The soul that has been quickened by the Holy Spirit cannot die again… its eternal life is the incorruptible Word of God.”

II. Salvation of the Spirit (John 17:26)

  • Connected to your walk with God—your behavior, character, and testimony.

  • Jesus’ prayer reveals His fellowship and Christ-like spirit.

  • Our spirit reflects our fellowship with the Father.

Quotes:

Vance Havner (1901–1986) — “Salvation is not a parking lot; it’s a launching pad… God didn’t save you to sit, but to serve.”
John Bunyan (1628–1688) — “The soul of religion is the practical part; it is not how much we know, but how well we live; not how we talk, but how we walk with God.”

Lessons from Christ’s example:

  • He sought a good testimony, not a good time.

  • He valued relationship over reputation (Phil. 2:7).

  • He magnified the name of the Father, not Himself.

A Christian bears Christ’s image, not self-image.
Choose the name of Jesus and true riches of God’s Word over worldly favor.

III. Salvation of the Body (John 17:24–25)

  • Connected to our eternal, glorified body (Philippians 3:21).

  • The blessed hope of rapture, resurrection, and redemption (Romans 8:24–25).

  • We will be changed forever in His presence (1 Corinthians 15:51–54).

Quotes:

J. Frank Norris (1877–1952) — “The Christian’s hope is not in reforming the old nature, but in receiving a new body fashioned after His glorious body.”
Lehman Strauss (1911–1997) — “The doctrine of glorification lifts the believer’s eyes heavenward… the best is yet to come.”

Closing Thought

This is the fulfillment of our salvation — being one with God in glory for eternity.

Call to Action

Let love be your motivation:

  • Love for God ❤️

  • Love for Heaven ✨

  • Love for One Another 🤝

As Christ’s prayer was motivated by love, so should our submission, separation, and sanctification.

Jeffrey smith