The following has been adapted from the devotionals of F.E. Marsh, a new resource coming soon to the Blue Letter Bible!
Salvation has a three-fold nature in regards to its timing. It has a past, present, and future aspect to the believer in Christ.
Past salvation. Those who are Christ’s are saved from what they deserve as sinners, because Christ has died for them and borne in His body the curse that sin merits (Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Timothy 1:9).
Present salvation. Believers are being saved from the despotism of sin as they abide in Christ and look to Him who lives in the power of an endless life (Romans 5:9; Hebrews 7:25), and who, by the Holy Spirit, is able to work in us mightily, so that we can work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
Future Salvation. The Lord’s children will be saved from the disgrace of sin when Christ returns; hence we wait for Him as a Savior (Philippians 3:20); for this we are kept (1 Peter 1:5), and for this Christ will return (Hebrews 9:28). It is this aspect of salvation of which the Lord says, “It is nearer” (Romans 13:11).