Salvation
“Deliverance, rescue, or safety”
Summary
God's deliverance of His people from sin, death, and judgment through the person and work of Jesus Christ, encompassing past justification, present sanctification, and future glorification.
☩Old Testament Foundation
In the Old Testament, salvation primarily denoted deliverance from enemies, danger, or distress, with God as the sole Savior of His people. Israel's history was a continuous record of divine deliverances—from Egypt, from enemies, from exile. Yet the prophets looked forward to a greater salvation involving forgiveness of sins, inner transformation, and the blessing of all nations. God promised to write His law on hearts, to give a new spirit, and to establish an everlasting covenant of peace.
☩Salvation in Christ
The New Testament reveals that salvation comes through Jesus, whose very name means 'Jehovah saves.' Jesus declared that He came to seek and save the lost, and that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, and is available to all who call upon the Lord's name. The cross and resurrection form the foundation: Christ died for sins and rose for justification.
☩Past, Present, and Future Aspects
Scripture speaks of salvation in three tenses. Believers have been saved from sin's penalty through justification. They are being saved from sin's power through sanctification as they work out their salvation with fear and trembling while God works within them. They will be saved from sin's presence at Christ's return, when the redemption of the body completes God's saving work. This threefold perspective pervades the apostolic teaching.
☩Conditions and Assurance
Faith is the consistent condition for receiving salvation—believing trust in God's promise and Christ's work. Repentance accompanies faith as its necessary counterpart, turning from sin to God. Yet salvation ultimately rests on God's sovereign grace and electing love, not on human merit or effort. Those truly saved are kept by God's power, though they are called to persevere and to make their calling and election sure.
☩Salvation Extended to All
While Israel first received the promises, salvation was always intended for all peoples. The prophets foretold that God's salvation would reach to the ends of the earth. Through Christ, the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile was broken down. The Great Commission sends the gospel to all nations, and the book of Revelation pictures a multitude from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation gathered before the throne, celebrating God's salvation.
Related Verses368 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Salvation," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Salvation," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Salvation Save Saviour," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Salvation," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).