Salvation

Salvation is one of the most important words, but also one of the most misunderstood concepts for a believer. Modern dictionaries explain that salvation is the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, and more specifically for theology, the deliverance from the power and penalty of sin; redemption (Dictionary.com). As for synonyms for salvation, one can find a long list of words, such as conservation, emancipation, preservation, restoration, redemption, liberation, and exemption.

This and the following articles will explain, in details, what salvation is and what it involves. The first question is how one receives salvation, and what does not provide salvation?

Salvation comes only by faith in Jesus Christ: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31) Faith is the act of believing, but belief that changes one’s life. Believing in Jesus Christ means one voluntarily and sincerely accepts that Jesus Christ, being true God, came to the earth, paid for one’s sins on the cross, resurrected, and abides at the right side of the Father, interceding for us. The result of this act of faith in our lives is very comprehensive, sublime, and it involves various features that require detailed analysis.

Salvation also comes by grace, i.e., freely, without man’s offering or payment: “For by grace you have been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8). Good works, keeping the law, baptism, and being nice to others, none of these actions provide salvation. In Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians 2:16 we read: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (See also Eph. 2:8-9, I Cor 1:17).

Salvation cannot be lost either. The same way there is nothing man can do to earn salvation, there is nothing man can do to lose salvation. To this idea many will respond “…so one just has to believe in Jesus, then continue to live in sin, corruption, perversion, and he or she will still be in Heavens with God one day?” The word of God clearly explains this situation, in Matthew 7 the Lord Jesus said ²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? ²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you…” Please note that the Lord did not say “I knew you, but now I don’t…” This clearly means that these people were never saved.

To be continued…