A Fourfold Salvation by A. W. Pink - continued

A. W. Pink, in his article called A Fourfold Salvation, describes the multi-faceted causes of salvation. These causes correspond to the application of salvation. The following quote sums up the causes:

"... it may be shown from Scripture that the cause of salvation is not a single one, as so many suppose—the blood of Christ. Here, too, it is necessary to distinguish between things which differ. First, the originating cause of salvation is the eternal purpose of God, or in other words, the predestinating grace of the Father. Second, the meritorious cause of salvation is the mediation of Christ, this having particular respect to the legal side of things, or, in other words, His fully meeting the demands of the Law on the behalf of and in the stead of those He redeems. Third, the efficient cause of salvation is the regenerating and sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit, which respect the experimental side of it; or, in other words, the Spirit works in us what Christ purchased for us. Thus, we owe our personal salvation equally to each Person in the Trinity, and not to one (the Son) more than to the others. Fourth, the instrumental cause is our faith, obedience, and perseverance: though we are not saved because of them, equally true is it that we cannot be saved (according to God's appointment) without them."

The application of that salvation is also fourfold:

1. Salvation from the Pleasure of Sin
2. Salvation from the Penalty of Sin
3. Salvation from the Power of Sin
4. Salvation from the Presence of Sin

It is important, as we continue to consider this article, to keep in mind that Pink emphasizes the "already-not yet" principle as it applies to salvation.

"First, salvation as an accomplished fact : “Thy faith hath saved thee” (Luke 7:50); “by grace ye have been saved” (Greek, and so translated in the R.V.—Eph. 2:8); “according to His mercy He saved us” (Tit. 3:5). Second, salvation as a present process, in course of accomplishment, not yet completed: “Unto us which are being saved” (I Cor. 1:18—R.V. and Bagster Interlinear); “Them that believe to the saving [not the `salvation'] of the soul” (Heb. 10:39). Third, salvation as a future process : “Sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb. 1:14); “receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls” (Jas. 1:21); “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time” (I Pet. 1:5).