Salvation Part II: God’s Restoration Plan for Our Lives

Salvation and God’s restoration plan are foundational for understanding the importance of healing and deliverance.  As such, its warrants a second look for further clarity and understanding.    

I. The Creation of Man (Spirit, Soul, and Body)

a. The Origin of Man

Ther origin of man recorded in Genesis 1:26–27 and Genesis 2:7. The Hebrew word used for “God” in Genesis 1:26 is Elohim, a plural form, indicating the triune nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This foreshadows God’s plan to create man in His image and likeness, as a triune being: spirit, soul, and body, reflecting the very nature of his Creator.

Genesis 2:7 provides further clarity:

“Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”

From this verse, we identify the tripartite nature of man:

  1. Body – “formed… from the dust of the ground”
  2. Spirit – “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life”
  3. Soul – “and man became a living soul”

Thus, man was created as a three-part being:

  • The body, made from the earth, connects man to the physical world.
  • The spirit, imparted by God’s breath, is man’s life-source and his connection to God.
  • The soul, formed as a result of the union of body and spirit, comprises the mind, will, and emotions, the seat of personality and individuality.

b. Scriptural Support for the Tripartite Nature of Man

Several passages affirm this tripartite nature:

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
  • Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful… piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit…”
  • Job 32:8, “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”
  • Ecclesiastes 12:7, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

Each of these passages distinguishes between spirit, soul, and body; showing that they are not interchangeable, but distinct components of human existence.

c. Understanding the Function of Each Part

Let’s briefly define the roles of each part:

  • Spirit – Enables man to commune with and know God; it is God-conscious.
  • Soul – The realm of thought, emotion, and choice; it is self-conscious.
  • Body – The physical vessel that interacts with the material world; it is world-conscious.

This divine order spirit first, then soul, then body was designed so that man would live under the governance of the Spirit, guided by God’s will and nature. However, this order was disrupted at the Fall, as we will explore in the next section.

d. Adam: Given Responsibility and Authority

From the beginning, Adam was created by God with a divine purpose and responsibility. He was placed in a fully furnished world where all of his needs were met by God’s provision.

God’s first instruction to mankind was to “be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and have dominion” over all creation (Genesis 1:28). This included authority over all animals, birds, and creeping things.

God Himself watered the earth and caused all kinds of plants to grow (Genesis 2:5–6, 8–10), creating a perfect environment for man.

Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden not to labor in toil, but to tend and keep it, to govern and care for what God had already made (Genesis 2:15).  As God’s representative on earth, Adam was entrusted with authority. The animals instinctively feared and submitted to him.

Note: Everything was already provided for Adam. He did not have to plant, sweat, or labor for survival. God’s design was rest, dominion, and stewardship NOT struggle.

Adam’s responsibilities included tending the garden, naming every animal and bird (Genesis 2:19–20) and walking in obedience to God’s instruction.  At this point, Adam was sinless, fully in harmony with God. His authority flowed from his obedience and his pure relationship with the Lord.

An important principle: To exercise true dominion authority, a person must walk in holiness and obedience. (Matthew 5:48; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Corinthians 7:1).

II. The Creation of Man’s Helpmate

God’s design for humanity was not complete with Adam alone. From the beginning, He intended for man to live in relationship, not isolation. While all creation was pronounced “good,” there was one thing God said was “not good”:

Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’”

This statement reveals something powerful about human nature and divine design: we are created for communion with God and with each other. Adam’s aloneness was not merely emotional; it was purposeful. God allowed Adam to sense his need for a counterpart before creating her, highlighting the uniqueness of their coming union.

a. The Helpmate: Not Inferior, but Complementary

The term “helper” (Hebrew: ezer) does not imply inferiority. In fact, this same word is often used to describe God as our help (see Psalm 33:20). Eve was not made beneath Adam, but from his side a symbol of equality, intimacy, and partnership.

From Adam, God created Eve, sinless, innocent, and made to be his companion and helper. Together, they were to walk in unity with God and exercise dominion on the earth.

Genesis 2:21–22 “And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam… and He took one of his ribs… then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman…”

This act signifies:  unity: ahe was taken from Adam, flesh of his flesh; purpose: She was made for him, to walk alongside, not behind; and design: She was shaped as a complement, not a copy.

Genesis 2:23 “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh…”

In this divine union, we see the first picture of covenantal marriage, a sacred bond that mirrors the relationship between Christ and His Church.

b. The Two Shall Become One

Marriage is more than companionship; it is a spiritual mystery, a joining together of two into one.

Genesis 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

This “one flesh” union reflects unity in diversity, just as the triune God is One yet three Persons. In marriage, man and woman reflect God’s nature relational, creative, and covenantal.

Ephesians 5:31–32 “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”

Adam and Eve’s union was also fruitful out of their covenant would come generations, carrying the image of God forward. This reveals that God’s design for helpmates includes partnership, purpose, reproduction, and mutual edification.

III. The Fall of Man

a. The Disruption of Divine Order

In the beginning, man lived in perfect harmony with God, his spirit in direct communion with the Creator, soul submitting to the spirit, and body functioning as the obedient servant of both. However, this divine hierarchy was reversed when man disobeyed God.

Adam and Eve’s choice in Genesis 3:6 to eat of the forbidden tree was based on what was pleasing to the eyes (body), desirable to make one wise (soul), and in disobedience to the spirit’s alignment with God resulted in a spiritual death and a catastrophic reordering of human nature.

b. The First Command

Adam was given one clear command:

“Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16–17)

This command was not difficult. It was a test of trust and obedience.  Adam was allowed to enjoy every tree including the Tree of Life, which was present but not yet revealed to him.  However, he was forbidden to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

As long as Adam obeyed, he would live forever in perfect fellowship with God.

c.  The Nature of the Fall

The moment Adam disobeyed, his spirit was separated from God, just as God had warned: “…in the day you eat of it, you shall surely die.” Though Adam did not die physically that day, he died spiritually, he was cut off from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18).

From that point forward there was a reordering:

  • The soul (mind, will, and emotions) became the dominant force, guided by the senses and desires of the body.
  • The spirit, now disconnected from God, was no longer the governing authority.
  • The body, now subject to decay, became a slave to sin and death (Romans 5:12).

This inversion caused man to live from the outside in, rather than from the inside out, as God intended.

d. The Consequences of the Fall

Once Adam disobeyed God’s command:

  1. He gained knowledge but lost innocence.
  1. His sin brought spiritual death, separation from God, and the curse that followed.
    • Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned…”
    • Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death…”
    • Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated you from your God…”
  2.  He was driven out of the Garden of Eden. The presence of God was lost. Two cherubim guarded the entrance, preventing access to the Tree of Life. Man was now ruled by their Adamic nature (Genesis 3:22–24).
  3. Satan became the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), and humanity was spiritually blind and bound.
  4. Mankind was now under a curse which resulted in sickness, disease, evil thoughts, murder, strife, stubbornness, self-will, anger, unbelief, confusion, doubt, restlessness, migraine headaches, infirmities of the mind soul and body, hunger, rage, lust, rebelliousness, bitterness, suicidal thoughts, murder, religiosity, pride, unforgiveness, jealous; all evils as seen in Galatians 5:19 – 21. ALL sickness is the result of the curse. Something you did wrong or something your fore parents did.
  5. Man’s evil heart and his fallen state: Man, now had an evil nature (Genesis 6:5-6; Ephesians 2:1-3). 

Many of man’s intellectual discoveries and advancements today stem from the knowledge gained after Adam’s disobedience but they came at the high cost of spiritual death and separation from God.

Man’s spirit was no longer the dwelling place of God but became darkened and deadened by sin (Ephesians 2:1). The soul designed to be renewed daily in God’s presence became unstable and vulnerable to demonic influence, emotional brokenness, and mental torment. The body, originally immortal, was now subject to aging, sickness, and death.

IV. God’s Love: The Beginning of Redemption

In the midst of mankind’s fall and separation from God, the depth of His love was revealed. God initiated redemption by a creative act not through human effort or intervention, but by divinely placing His Son in the womb of a virgin, Mary. This was not a physical act, but a supernatural one. Jesus was born sinless, because He came from God and not through Adam’s seed. Thus, He was qualified to bear the sins of the world, taking on the penalty of sin both natural and spiritual death (eternal separation from God) and removing it through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

a. The Born-Again Journey: Steps Toward Salvation

The path to salvation is a journey of transformation and surrender and includes:

  1. Faith in Jesus: Salvation begins with believing that Jesus is the Son of God, who died and rose again for your sins. (Rom. 10:9–10)
  2. Hearing and Obeying: Like Peter, who gave up everything to follow Jesus (Matt. 19:27; Luke 18:28), we too must forsake worldly attachments. We must also sit under the Word and allow it to cleanse our hearts and minds. (John 17:17)
  3. Desire to Please God: As we mature in faith, we begin to seek God more earnestly, talk more about Him, and gradually pull away from environments that oppose His truth. The world loses its appeal; the things of God become our focus.
  4. Transformation: The Word begins to shape how we respond to life no longer with anger or bitterness, but with grace and truth. We start to reflect the character of sons and daughters of God. (Rom. 8:14)
  5. Obedience and Repentance: Like Peter, who denied Jesus but later repented and was restored (Matt. 26:34; Luke 22:32), we learn that failure is not the end. Repentance and continued pursuit of Christ lead to conversion and transformation.

b. The Need for a Savior

No human effort whether through good morals, education, money, or religious deeds can save us from hell. (Isa. 64:6)

If you read about the rich man and his vineyard (Luke 12:20) or the story of Job (found in the book of Job), these stories reinforce that our riches nor our academic achievements will qualify us for heaven.  All our wealth, fame, and the acclaim, all of our acquired skills and academic achievements cannot in any way qualify us for entry into God’s Kingdom. Another way to saying this, is there is zero credit to our heavenly bank account.

So it’s important to then realize, that our good morals and human efforts to save ourselves are useless and regarded as an unclean thing. Simply put, all our righteousness is like filthy rags before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). We are sinners and we need a Savior; there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. (Romans 3:23; Rom. 5: 12).  Salvation is not earned; it is a gift from God through Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:23; Acts 4:12). And only the blood of Jesus qualifies us for heaven (Rev. 3:5; 21:7–8).

c. God’s Offer of Salvation

While we were deep in sin, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).  Only through the sacrificial blood of the Lamb (Proverbs 5:12) can help us avoid a lost eternity from the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Now He invites us into eternal life, not just forgiveness.

d. What Must We Do?

  1. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. (Rom. 10:8–10)
  2. Repent and turn away from sin and follow Jesus. (Acts 2:38)
  3. Be baptized in His name and receive the Holy Spirit.
  4. Live a consecrated life grow in holiness, obey the Word, deny your flesh, and follow Him daily. (Luke 9:23; 1 Pet. 1:16; 2 Tim. 2:21)

Eternal Life or Eternal Separation

There are only two eternal destinies:

  1. Eternal Life with Christ (Matt. 7:13–14)
  2. Eternal Separation in hell and the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15; 21:8)

There is no purgatory (Heb. 9:27).  Whatever state your eyes close, saved or lost, determines your eternity.  If you died in right standing you, will spend an eternity with Christ, if you died as an unrepentant sinner or child of the Lord, you will be eternally separated from his presence.  There are only two ways to go.

What Is Hell? Is It Real?

Yes, hell is real. It is not a myth, metaphor, or merely symbolic language. According to the Bible, hell is a literal place of torment, separation from God, and eternal judgment. Jesus Himself spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture, warning us of its reality and urging all to repent and believe.

Hell is described as:

  • A place of fire and torment (Matthew 13:41–42; Luke 16:24)
  • Outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30)
  • A lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Revelation 20:10, 14–15)
  • Eternal separation from God’s presence (2 Thessalonians 1:8–9)

There are various stories including a report involving Russian scientists said to have lowered microphones into the earth, 50 miles into the center, hearing horrific screams. Whether we believe this scientist or not, what we must base our understanding on is the unchanging truth of God’s Word. The Bible is crystal clear:

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)

“But the fearful, and unbelieving…and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” (Revelation 21:8)

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life.” (Revelation 3:5)

“Enter through the narrow gate…for broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13)

f. The Urgency of Decision

You must choose now; will you receive the gift of salvation and live for Christ? (Rom. 10:13) or will you reject Him and face eternal judgment?

Today is the day of salvation. Your eternal destiny is too important to ignore.  Realize that God first loved us when we were in our filth (full of sin). The least we can do is to return the love by receiving Him as our Lord and Savior, (Act 4: 12) so we can spend an eternity with him.

For those who have fallen off course, backslidden, let us recommit and receive him a fresh into our lives, “to them gave he power to become the sons of God even unto them that believe on Him” (John 1: 12)

Hell is not just for murderers or obvious evildoers, it is for anyone who rejects the gospel, remains in sin, and refuses the Lordship of Christ.

Is your name written in the Book of Life?

Today, while you still have breath, repent, believe, and obey. Eternity is just one heartbeat away.

V. Redemption Through Christ

a. God’s Eternal Plan of Restoration

Even before the foundation of the world, God had a plan to redeem humanity. The fall did not catch Him by surprise; rather, the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). God’s justice demanded a penalty for sin, death but His mercy provided a substitute: Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God.

Romans 5:18 “Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.”

b. The New Birth: Restoration of the Spirit

At salvation, what was lost in the Garden begins to be restored. When a person receives Christ, their spirit is reborn reconnected to God and made alive.

John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

This new birth is not a reformation of the old self, but a regeneration, a literal recreation of the human spirit. The believer’s spirit is now righteous, holy, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:17 “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”

c. The Soul: Being Renewed

While the spirit is instantly perfected at salvation, the soul is in the process of transformation. The mind, will, and emotions must be renewed daily by the Word of God to come into alignment with the reborn spirit.

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

This renewal brings healing from emotional wounds, correction of destructive thought patterns, and alignment with the will of God. It is in the soul that sanctification occurs, the working out of what God has worked in.

Philippians 2:12–13 “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

d. The Body: Awaiting Redemption

Though the believer’s body is still subject to decay and death, it is now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). God has made provision for healing, health, and strength in this life. But the full redemption of the body will occur at the resurrection.

Romans 8:23 “…we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”

Philippians 3:21 “…who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body…”

Until that day, the believer is called to present their body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), keeping it under discipline and aligned with the spirit.

VI. The Nature of Salvation

a. Salvation Is More Than a Prayer

True salvation involves deliverance from sin, generational curses, soul ties, and emotional wounds; a holy life empowered by the Spirit and discipleship sitting under the Word, praying, fasting, fellowshipping with believers, and submitting to godly leadership.

Salvation is more than a one-time event, it is a threefold process that encompasses the believer’s past, present, and future. It deals with the spirit, soul, and body in distinct but unified ways.

Hebrews 10:14 “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”

This verse beautifully illustrates that while our spirit is already perfected in Christ, our soul is undergoing a continual process, and our body awaits future glorification.

b. Justification: The Spirit Made Righteous (Past Tense)

Justification happens the moment a person places faith in Jesus Christ. It is a legal act in which God declares the sinner righteous, not by works, but by grace through faith.

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In justification:

  • Our spirit is made alive (regenerated).
  • We are positionally righteous before God.
  • The penalty of sin is removed.

Titus 3:5 “…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”

c. Sanctification: The Soul Being Transformed (Present Tense)

Sanctification is the ongoing process by which the Holy Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ. This work happens in the soul our mind, will, and emotions and it requires our cooperation with God’s Word and Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all…are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Sanctification involves daily renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2), dying to the flesh and walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) and progressive victory over sin, emotional healing, and alignment with God’s will.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless…”

d. Glorification: The Body Redeemed (Future Tense)

Glorification is the final act of salvation, when Christ returns and transforms our mortal bodies to be like His glorified body.

1 Corinthians 15:52–53 “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye… the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on in corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

At glorification:

  • The body is redeemed, free from sickness, decay, and death.
  • The believer enters into the fullness of salvation; spirit, soul, and body.
  • The presence of sin is forever removed.

Romans 8:30 “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

Simply put, glorification means:

  • Your body will be completely healed and made perfect; there will be no more sickness, pain, aging, or death.
  • You will fully experience everything salvation includes, not just spiritually, but also in your mind (soul) and body.
  • Sin will no longer exist in you or around you.  You’ll live in perfect holiness with God forever in heaven.

It’s the final step of salvation, when you become completely like Christ, whole, pure, and eternal.

VII. Walking in the Spirit

It’s important to understand that Salvation is not just positional but it’s practical. After we are born again, we are called to live from the spirit, not from the flesh or soul. Walking in the Spirit is the process of aligning our daily life with the new nature we’ve received in Christ.

Galatians 5:16 “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

This walk is intentional, relational, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is not about trying harder but about yielding deeper.

a. The Conflict Within

Though our spirit is saved and sealed, our soul and body still contend with the flesh, our old nature. This internal war must be won by the spirit leading the soul and body.

Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another…”

This is why the renewing of the mind is critical.  Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

b. Living from the Inside Out

To walk in the Spirit is to live from the inside out, allowing the born-again spirit (which is in union with Christ) to govern the soul and bring the body into submission.

  • The spirit is willing.
  • The soul must be renewed.
  • The body must be disciplined.

1 Corinthians 9:27 “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection…”

We can feed the spirit through:

  • Prayer and intimacy with God.
  • Meditating on and obeying the Word.
  • Fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

c. The Fruit of the Spirit

When we walk in the Spirit, we naturally begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit, which is evidence of spiritual maturity.

Galatians 5:22–23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

These are not self-produced virtues they are the outflow of the indwelling Christ.

VII. Healing and Deliverance: The Outworking of Full Salvation

The Gospel is not only about forgiveness it’s also about freedom and restoration. Jesus didn’t just come to save us from hell; He came to make us whole.

Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”

a. Healing: Restoration of the Body and Soul

Physical healing is part of the atonement. Isaiah 53:5 “By His stripes we are healed.”

Jesus healed all who came to Him demonstrating the will of the Father. Today, healing continues as a manifestation of the Kingdom.

Healing includes:

  • Physical restoration (Matthew 8:16–17)
  • Emotional healing from trauma, fear, or grief (Psalm 147:3)
  • Inner healing from wounds of the soul (3 John 2)

James 5:14–15 “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders… the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up…”

Healing is when God restores your body, mind, or heart whether you’re sick, hurting, or broken so you can be whole and live the life He created you for.

b. Deliverance: Freedom from Oppression

Deliverance addresses spiritual bondage, oppression, torment, and influence of demonic forces. Jesus regularly cast out demons, demonstrating authority over darkness.

Mark 1:39 “And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee and casting out demons.”

Deliverance is:

  • For the believer, not just the lost.
  • A manifestation of the finished work of Christ.
  • An essential part of spiritual health and wholeness.

Colossians 1:13 “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”

Deliverance brings:

  • Freedom from cycles of sin.
  • Breakthrough in areas of stagnation.
  • Restoration of peace and clarity in the soul.

John 8:36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Deliverance means God sets you free from anything that has a hold on your life; like fear, addiction, bad habits, or evil influences so you can live in the freedom He wants for you.

If you’re ready to be truly free and whole, then start Lesson #1 today. Follow the instructions faithfully, renounce every foothold of the enemy, and walk in the joy of the Lord, which will be your strength.

In Jesus’ name, freedom is yours. Amen.

Interested in Learning More? 

If you are interested in learning more and being freed from the numerous bondages such as sicknesses, depression, worry, fears, addictions, perversions, financial stress, guilt, mental illness, family conflicts, and many other ungodly bondages, then click on the below link to our healing and deliverance website. Once there, you will find lessons, prayers and other resources to help you.  It’s important you take the time and go through the lessons in order.

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