Past love, Future love, Present love
- Past love:
When we received salvation through faith in Jesus (past salvation),
not only did God give us the Holy Spirit,
but through the Holy Spirit, He has already poured God's love into our hearts
(Rom. 5:5).
- Future love:
When we will be saved at the future coming of Jesus (future salvation),
as we enter into heaven, the Holy Spirit will enable us to fully obey the twofold command of Jesus,
the command of the kingdom of heaven.
He will make us love God and love our neighbors with perfect love.
- Present love:
The Bible says, "Work out your salvation" (Phil. 2:12),
indicating the current aspect of salvation.
It means, "Live as those who have eternal life," "Live as citizens of the kingdom of heaven."
With the eschatological Spirit dwelling within us,
producing the fruit of "love" (Gal. 5:22), and guiding us to obey Jesus' twofold command,
we should walk in love following the Holy Spirit (v. 16).
In other words, we should become what the Holy Spirit leads us to be (v. 18),
live by the Spirit, and walk in step with the Spirit (v. 25).
At that time, our hearts, our homes, and our church will become a community
that is transformed into the likeness of heaven.