June 18

Even though we speak like this, beloved, we are convinced of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. — Heb 6:9 BSB

What is salvation? When we look at salvation, we need to consider it in two aspects: salvation that has been worked out for us and salvation worked out in us. Salvation was accomplished for the Church through the finished work of the Son of God, who, with His final breath, declared, "It is finished." At that moment, the salvation of the "remnant according to the election of grace" was fully completed. Nothing can be added to or taken away from it, for "by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified." Thus, the Church stands complete in Christ, "without spot, wrinkle, or any such thing."

But there is also a salvation that must be worked out in the soul. This refers to the application of that finished salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit, who brings the reality of Christ's saving work into our hearts and seals it with holy unction and divine sweetness. It is this internal work that we experience and know for ourselves as the Spirit brings the truth of salvation alive in us.

Many of God's people, however, struggle to feel certain of this salvation. Doubts, fears, darkness, and temptations cloud their path. Satan attacks them with his fiery darts, and they often feel unsure of their place in Christ. They do not doubt that Jesus is the Savior of those who believe. They know that there is no refuge for their guilty souls except the blood of the Lamb. They have been stripped of trusting in a covenant of works, and they do not run after things that cannot profit them. They are cut off from all false refuges by the grace of God working in their hearts.

But because of their unbelief, the deadness they feel, the barrenness of their souls, and the temptations they face, they worry that they do not bear the marks of God's family and cannot fully grasp their interest in the love and blood of the Lamb. This is why the Apostle speaks of the "things that accompany salvation." These are the certain marks and signs that show the work of grace in the soul. Speaking to the Hebrews, he offers comfort and encouragement, saying, "We are persuaded," despite your doubts and fears, despite the darkness of your mind, and despite the temptations you face, "we are persuaded" that you possess those "better things"—those "things that accompany salvation"—and that this salvation is eternally yours.