3. Salvation: Birth and Growth: Salvation comes when the heart is set toward repentance (Luke 19:9). We face the choice in our affliction: either resentment which drives us away from God; or repentance which we will not regret and which results in salvation (II Corinthians 7:9-10). If you haven’t experienced it yet, now is the right time for this birth of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2). After the birth of our salvation, there must be the “growing up” to salvation (I Peter 1:23-2:3). Salvation comes through sanctification by the Spirit (II Thessalonians 2:13). The salvation that God works in us, we must then work out with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). We work out our salvation by saying “No!” to ungodliness through the grace of God (Titus 2:11-12). If we persevere in paying close attention to our conduct and teaching, we will insure salvation of both us and those who hear us (I Timothy 4:16).