I. 1. And, first, let us enquire, What is _salvation_? The salvation which is here spoken of, is not what is frequently understood by that word, the going to heaven, eternal happiness. It is not the soul’s going to paradise, termed by our Lord, _Abraham’s bosom_. It is not a blessing which lies on the other side death, or (as we usually speak) in the other world. The very words of the text itself, put this beyond all question. _Ye_ are _saved_. It is not something at a distance: it is a present thing; a blessing, which through the free mercy of God, ye are now in possession of. Nay, the words may be rendered, and that with equal propriety, _Ye_ have been _saved_. So that the salvation which is here spoken of, might be extended to the entire work of God, from the first dawning of grace in the soul, ’till it is consummated in glory. 2. If we take this in its utmost extent, it will include all that is wrought in the soul, by what is frequently termed, _natural conscience_, but more properly, _preventing grace_: all the _drawings of the Father_: the desires after God, which, if we yield to them, increase more and more: all that _light_, wherewith the Son of God _inlighteneth every one that cometh into the world, shewing_ every man, _to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with_ his _God_: all the _convictions_ which his Spirit, from time to time, works in every child of man. Although, it is true, the generality of men stifle them as soon as possible; and after awhile forget, or at least deny, that ever they had them at all. 3. But we are at present concerned only with that salvation, which the apostle is directly speaking of. And this consists of two general parts, justification and sanctification. Justification is another word for pardon. It is the forgiveness of all our sins, and (what is necessarily implied therein) our acceptance with God. The price whereby this hath been procured for us, (commonly termed the _meritorious cause_ of our justification) is the blood and righteousness of Christ, or (to express it a little more clearly) all that Christ hath done and suffered for us, ’till _he poured out his soul for the transgressors_. The immediate effects of justification are, the peace of God, a _peace that passeth all understanding_, and a _rejoicing in_ hope _of the glory of God_, with joy _unspeakable and full of glory_.