The Salvation Series - 5: The Salvation of the Body
Praise God for another day to share on our ongoing discussion about Salvation! In this series, we have categorized salvation into three key dimensions: the salvation of the spirit, the soul, and the body. Today, we will focus on the salvation of the body.
As long as our physical body is preserved in this life, we can remain in this world, because the body is the primary vehicle that gives us the ability to effect real change here on earth. However, if the body is damaged beyond a certain threshold—whether through aging, sickness, or abuse—the human spirit must automatically vacate the frame to return to its Maker.
That is how God designed human existence, and that is why Jesus Himself had to come in a physical body to redeem humanity and prepare them for eternity. After completing His work on earth through His physical body, Jesus planted the seed of His Spirit in the hearts of everyone who is born again. He did this not only to impart eternal life to them, but also so He could continue His work through us! When Jesus ascended to heaven, His disciples went out to carry out His commandments, and as they did, the Bible records that “...the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” (Mark 16:20).
Though Jesus is no longer physically walking the earth, He has an army of believers who act as an extension of Himself on earth today. That refers directly to you and me who are born-again believers! God needs our bodies and our willing permission—not our mere human wisdom or cleverness—to fulfil His will.
No matter how unskilled or inadequate you may feel, God can use you, and in fact, He wants to use you if you will simply yield your body to Him. This is why we must be willing to yield our physical bodies as a living sacrifice to serve God's purpose. There is no greater offering a person can present to please Him. Jesus loved humanity so deeply that He gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16). While Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice for us in the ultimate demonstration of His love, giving ourselves back to God is the highest response that pleases Him. The Scripture says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).
Whenever Scripture speaks of true love for God, it refers to sacrificial obedience. Obeying God only when it suits us or when it is comfortable is not true obedience, nor can it be counted as a pleasing sacrifice of the body.
A true sacrifice is inherently inconvenient to the desires of the flesh, yet deeply pleasing to God. The greater the sacrifice, the more inconvenient it will feel to the physical senses. Although the physical body is meant to be a simple vessel or covering, the fallen nature of the flesh can impose itself as a major obstacle, tempting believers to resist God's commands through strong passions and emotional impulses.
We must never underestimate the power of the flesh when it is unchecked. Its desires can build up until they feel overwhelming. Therefore, we must not feed the desires of the flesh; instead, we must nourish our spirit man with the Word of God. Until your spirit becomes stronger than your flesh, you will struggle to walk in consistent obedience to God. The Scripture says, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:7–8).
The only way to overcome sinful bodily desires while living in this world is to present the body as a sacrifice daily—relying on the Holy Spirit by faith to quicken and empower us through God's Word and grace. This is how the physical frame becomes a living sacrifice: though alive physically, it is dead to the rule of sin. The Scripture says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1).
How does this work in everyday life?
First, spend deliberate time studying the Word of God, because the Scripture is spiritual food for your inner man. Second, spend dedicated time in prayer and worship. In moments of true fellowship, you experience the quickening presence of the Holy Spirit. The primary type of prayer that builds spiritual authority here is not merely asking for material needs, but deep fellowship with God.
When you consistently feed your spirit and cultivate fellowship, the appetites of the flesh are suppressed, making obedience to God natural and joyful. If you find yourself struggling to obey God, increase the time you spend in the Word and in prayer. Consistently walking in obedience mortifies the deeds of the body. The Scripture says, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:11).
On the other hand, the devil continuously seeks to carry out evil in the world, often attempting to possess or influence human bodies through manipulation to accomplish his purposes. But good will always overcome evil, because doing good means standing on the Lord's side! The foundational step to standing on the Lord's side is having His Spirit dwell within you through being born again. The Scripture says, “...Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:9).
If you want to make that decision today and yield your life to Him, you can say the prayer for salvation below. Have a blessed day!
Today’s Scripture Reading:
Romans 8, John 15, Proverbs 3
Prayer for Salvation
Dear Lord, I believe Jesus died and rose again for me. Forgive me of all my sins and come into my life. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Wash me with your precious blood. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Congrats! If you said this prayer in faith, your status has changed—you are now a child of God!