I was, I am, but not yet.

Dr. Harry Ironside, famed Bible teacher and pastor of Moody Memorial Church in former years was once handed a gospel tract by a Moody Bible Institute student as he was walking in the Loop. The following conversation is reported to have taken place:

Student: (not at first recognizing Dr. Ironside)—“Sir, here is a gospel tract. Are you saved?”

Pastor: (always the theologian)—“Am I saved? Well, son, let me answer by saying I have been, I am being, and I will be saved.”

Student: (who suddenly recognized the famed Bible teacher)—“Sir, please forgive me. I didn’t know it was you.”

Pastor (placing his arm around the embarrassed student)—“Son, never apologize for giving witness to Jesus! It is I perhaps who needs to apologize. However, I simply answered the question by the way it was asked. Yes, I’m saved! I have been (justification), I am being (sanctification), and some glorious day I will be (glorification).