Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
Funk frames salvation not as a single event but “a process,” tied to Spirit baptism, water baptism, and “baptism of fire”; what picture of God’s patience, holiness, and goals for human transformation emerges from that, and why might this be uncomfortable for Christians who want immediate assurance?
Another way to ask: If salvation is a process, not a one-time moment, what does that say about God’s patience, holiness, and plan to change people? Why might that bother Christians who want quick certainty that they are saved?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on Funk as described in the transcript, salvation is God’s ongoing work of conviction, new birth, commitment, and purging self-denial—showing a patient but holy God aiming at real transformation over a lifetime. This may feel uncomfortable to those wanting salvation reduced to a one-time moment of assurance.
- Burge: “They don’t see salvation as being the event. They see it as being a process.”
- Spirit baptism is “foundational,” involving conviction of sin, repentance, and the Spirit “pouring out” in conversion and “new birth.”
- Water baptism is tied to obedience and church incorporation, not merely inward feelings.
- Funk includes “baptism of fire,” which involves “purging, a growth,” and fighting evil and lust.
- The process continues “until our last breath,” not merely to an initial decision.