The three steps of salvation in a nutshell are these - becoming a Christian; living the Christian life; and going to heaven.
It is this second step.
The first and third steps are instantaneous experiences, but the second step (sanctification) is a life long process whereby the Holy Spirit works in the believer\'s life to bring about practical holiness and transform his character into the likeness of Christ.
Theologians refer to these three steps as Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification.
The three steps of salvation in a nutshell are these - becoming a Christian; living the Christian life; and going to heaven