For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.

Hebrews 3:14 (NKJV)

 

Our oneness and union with Christ mean we are partakers of His divine life. The Greek term for "partaker" is metochos, which translates to "a participant, partner, and sharer." Your salvation is entirely God’s work, and you play no role in it. However, when you believe in Jesus, you become a partaker in everything He has done and is doing for you right now.

Being united in Christ through His death and resurrection, you now get to share in all that Christ has accomplished for your salvation on the Cross. The gospel reveals three aspects of salvation you can have in Christ: justification, sanctification and glorification.

Justification refers to who you are in Christ. It is about your righteous standing before God once you have been saved from the penalty of sin. Justification relates to what happened to you in the past—when you were a sinner and are now transformed into a son or daughter of faith. (Galatians 3:26).

Sanctification refers to your becoming like Christ. It is about your righteous living after God because you have been freed from the power of sin. Sanctification relates to what is happening to you right now—turning away from sinful habits and becoming more like Jesus (Romans 8:29).

Glorification refer to your being with Christ. It is about your righteous life with God, where you are saved from the presence of sin. Glorification relates to what you will experience in the future— where God finally come to dwell with us forever and ever (Revelation 21:3-4).

If you ever feel discouraged or defeated by the Enemy and tempted to give up your pursuit of Christ, take comfort in the salvation He has won for you. Rejoice in the truth that He who started you well will help you finish well.