Message of the Latter Rain - Kelvin M. Duncan
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Present Tense<br />
For <strong>the</strong> message <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,<br />
but to us who are being saved it is <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> God (1 Corinthians 1:18,<br />
NKJV).<br />
For we are to God <strong>the</strong> fragrance <strong>of</strong> Christ among those who are being<br />
saved and among those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15, NKJV).<br />
These renderings may come as a surprise to those accustomed to using<br />
<strong>the</strong> Authorized King James Version. That translation tends to obscure verb<br />
tenses. Thus, it fails to make clear that <strong>the</strong> term saved, in <strong>the</strong> two verses cited<br />
above, is in <strong>the</strong> present continuous tense. However, a review <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> original<br />
Greek text reveals that <strong>the</strong> New King James Version is accurate.<br />
The second phase <strong>of</strong> salvation is also spoken <strong>of</strong> without using <strong>the</strong> term<br />
save in o<strong>the</strong>r passage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible. For example:<br />
Now unto him that is able to keep [save] you from falling, and to present<br />
you faultless before <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 1:24).<br />
The Lord knoweth how to deliver [save] <strong>the</strong> godly out <strong>of</strong> temptations (2<br />
Peter 2:9).<br />
These verses refer to what is involved in <strong>the</strong> second phase <strong>of</strong> salvation--<br />
salvation from sinning. This concept is consistent with Mat<strong>the</strong>w 1:21: "Thou<br />
shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from <strong>the</strong>ir sins."<br />
Past Tense<br />
Now we need to take a look at examples <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> phase <strong>of</strong> salvation which<br />
has proven to be <strong>the</strong> most controversial among those who promote a<br />
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