Becoming Vessels of Honor

From Sozo to Soteria

About the process of spiritual transformation

We begin by discussing the term "saved," (Sozo in Greek) a word which reminds us of the time when we first encounter the mercy of God (at the start of our spiritual journey); and when mercy becomes the foundation for our ongoing experience of Grace.

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31 (KJV)

So, what does "getting saved" mean? The term “Saved” comes from the Greek word “Sozo” which refers to bringing someone out of danger to a safer place. The term “Salvation” however, is actually a different word with a different focus.

Salvation: “Salvation” comes from the Greek, “Soteria,” which points to a state of redemption or deliverance for the soul, suggesting as well, an advanced maturity of the soul. We could also say that salvation represents the “condition of the soul," upon having identified itself (integrated) fully with the Spirit of God in presence and attributes.  With that, the understanding and hope is, that this state of consciousness or union with the Spirit within would position us with Christ, here and beyond, the very best place for our soul to be or originate from. 

Some in the Body consider “salvation” to be the point after death at which we are with Christ Jesus. However, we also have learned in the Lesson, “Baptism for the Spiritual Soul,” that with the second element of our Baptism, our connection with “Christ within/Spirit” becomes activated, so union with God in that sense is ours to experience with every breath while we yet live in our present form, that is, as/if we remain attuned to the Spirit and its leading.

“John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire” Luke 3:16 (KJV)

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38 (KJV)

New purpose: It is interesting to note that in Scriptures, “salvation” is often seen with a word like “to” or “unto” before it which suggests that not only is there is a process involved but that salvation is a goal for our soul, or that in being ”saved" (sozo). we move on to fulfill the purpose for having entered into the Net, which is to prepare for the fullness of salvation (soteria). 

“Receiving the end of your faith; even the salvation of your souls.” - 1 Peter 1:9 (KJV)

The growth process: So, in putting these two together, we are actually “saved/brought into a safer place” (Sozo) so that we can enter a process of development (gestation) through which we will have been changed from flesh-natured to spiritual in nature (by association with the Spirit or by Christ within). It is important to recognize the totality of this in order to become fully engaged in this growth process. 

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

Things to remember along “The Way”

Once saved…always saved? Once we "enter" the Body of Christ, we do not have to “exit and re-enter” as we make mistakes (and we will make them), but we are expected to forgive others as needed along the way, while living our lives as those who depend on Grace/The Spirit... all done in the manner that God has for us to do. For instance, any moment in which we discover that we have lost our focus or fallen back into operating or reacting from the “old man,” we are expected to make adjustments (repent) and get back on track. 

Workers of iniquity:  There are situations and behaviors to avoid that are especially grevious to our Shepherd about which are warned in Scripture. For instance, if we have been given the understanding (the teaching), the means (the Spirit), and the commandment to apply mercy toward others, yet we still make excuses not to do so (on a regular basis), then this negative pattern can earn the "doer of iniquity" the title of "worker of iniquity" or "the wicked." However, if we are applying mercy to others (as has been given to us); and as we continue to seek God by His Spirit, then we should remain in as good standing as possible in our ever-developing human state of consciousness. Read Matthew 7 for more on this, but here is one of the critical verses from this teaching in scriptures: 

"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23 (KJV) 

Are there more warnings? 2 Peter 2: 20-22 (KJV) also tells us of some who will have had the full knowledge of what Christ Jesus offers and yet returned to operate under the pursuasions of the “old”: 

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” 

Indeed there are consequences to a life absent of (or separated from) the Mercy and Grace of God, but the Good News is that we have each day, each hour, and each breath to consecrate to God as we continue to grow spiritually. With that as our focus and deepest commitment, we are in position to experience more and more of the fullness of what God has for us.

"Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." - Hebrews 10:38-39 (KJV)

Conclusion: So, to re-cap, we are "saved" (sozo) into the Body to participate in the three aspects of our Baptism, Water (Mercy), Spirit (Grace), and Fire (Transformation/Sanctification). If we hold to all of these aspects, loving God and others, we can experience on earth, “life and life abundantly,” while looking one day to realize the fullness of salvation (soteria) and hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:21 (KJV) 

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 (KJV)

Becoming Vessels of Honor: Meanwhile, there is much we can do daily to maintain our focus on God as we are transformed into Vessels of Mercy, utterly dependent on His Glorious Grace. By the Spirit and through the proven Faith of Jesus, let us see this journey to its ultimate destination as we rest in the Peace of God now and forever. Amen.

“Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour and another unto dishonor?” Romans 9:21 (KJV)

 "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21 (KJV)

"Becoming Vessel of Honor," is written by Ann M. Wolf  © 2016, All rights reserved

Check Understanding:

Question for discussion or add your answers to your notebook:

1. What is the Greek word for “Salvation?”
2. If we make a mistake once we are saved, do we have to be “saved” again to continue on our spiritual journey in the Body of Christ?
3. What does the word “Iniquity” mean and who are “workers of iniquity?”

Apply Understanding: 

Discuss or notate how you would like to apply what you have learned or what the Holy Ghost has reminded you of with this Lesson; and jot your thoughts down about the following questions as well:

1. What am I supposed to focus on after I receive the Seed of the Spirit (Grace)?
2. What would help me to keep my focus on the Holy Spirit each day?
3. What resources do I have to work with to help me undergo the process of changing from the old nature to the New in Christ?