Before my salvation I was, spiritually speaking, dead in my sin and selfishness, having no ability or willingness to know, seek, or serve our sovereign and holy God; and deserving only of God’s wrath and punishment.
God, in His mercy and love, set his love on me and redeemed me from sin.
He accomplished this redemption by atoning for my sins. This atonement took place when Jesus died upon the cross, where he bore the penalty for each of my sins, individually and particularly.
God has not only forgiven me in his mercy, but his great grace through the power of the Holy Spirit has changed me unto life, and is conforming me to be more Christ-like.
God has promised that this work of the Holy Spirit will thus actively continue to preserve and sanctify me until Christ returns.
God saves sinners.