When did you become a Christian? For some, the answer is a specific moment of conversion. For others, the story is more complicated. And even after coming to faith, many Christians find themselves wondering: If I'm really saved, why do I still struggle with sin? Am I growing enough? How can I know that God won't give up on me?

In this episode, Kendra and Kyler share their own stories of coming to faith and explore how the theology of salvation speaks to some of our most personal questions about the Christian life.

Together, they discuss:

• Why our testimonies don't need to be dramatic to be powerful

• How God works through both defining moments and ordinary experiences to draw us to Himself

• What theologians mean by the ordo salutis (order of salvation)

• How Romans 8 reveals God's work in salvation from beginning to end

• What regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification mean for believers

• Why understanding justification frees us from trying to earn God's approval

• How to understand Paul's command to "work out your salvation" when salvation is entirely God's work

• Why sanctification is often a messy, lifelong process

• What to do when persistent sin or a lack of visible growth makes us question our salvation

• How spiritual disciplines and the ordinary means of grace help cultivate assurance

• Why God's promise to finish what He started gives us humility, confidence, freedom to pursue obedience, and hope

Salvation isn't simply something that happened in the past. It's something God has accomplished in Christ, is working out in us by His Spirit, and promises to bring to completion.

Understanding that changes everything. We don't have to look to our performance to prove that we belong to Christ. We can look to His finished work, trusting that the God who called us to Himself will never abandon the work of His hands.

Mentioned on the Show

Next Step: Take some time this week to reflect on your own story of salvation. Whether you can identify a specific moment when you came to faith or your story has unfolded more gradually, consider:

• Looking back: Where can you see evidence of God's grace in drawing you to Himself? How does understanding salvation as God's work reshape the way you tell your story?

• Looking at the present: Where are you tempted to measure your standing with God by your performance or spiritual progress? How might the distinction between justification and sanctification change the way you respond to your struggles?

• Looking forward: What would it look like to trust God's promise to complete the work He has begun in you?

Consider sharing your reflections with a friend. Practice telling your testimony in a way that highlights not just what has changed in your life, but what God has done—and continues to do—through Christ.

Key Scriptures

• Romans 8, especially verses 28–39

• Philippians 2:12–13

• Ephesians 2:1–10

• Philippians 1:6

• 2 Peter 1:5–11

• Romans 7

• Luke 7:36–50

• 1 John 3:2

Don’t forget to submit a question for an upcoming Q&A episode using this form.

Christ In You: Conversations on Spiritual Formation is a podcast from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Diego, exploring how the gospel forms us in the everyday rhythms of life.

Kendra Dahl is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redeemer, and Kyler Wright is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Together, they host conversations with pastors and ministry leaders to help believers grow in Christ.

To learn more about Redeemer and find additional resources, visit www.redeemersd.org