What Is Salvation?
1. Salvation begins with the understanding that we have been created by God for His glory, and that all souls belong, ultimately, to Him.
Gen. 1:26-27; Lev. 10:3; Psa. 100:1-5; Ezek. 18:4.
2. But all have violated His will (revealed in the Bible, God’s Word) and are, thus, sinners in His sight.
Eccles. 7:20; Rom. 3:23; 2 Cor. 5:14; 1 John 1:8-10.
3. Salvation (the forgiveness of sins and eternal life) is found only in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
John 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 13:38-39; Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; 2 Tim. 2:10; 1Pet. 1:18-21.
4. Salvation is for those who “obey the gospel” and remain faithful to the Lord.
Rom. 2:8; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2 Pet. 1:5-11; Rev. 2:10.
5. Salvation is available to all who are willing to come to the Lord, on His terms that are revealed in the gospel. Acts 10:34-35; 1 Tim. 4:10; Tit. 2:11-14; Rev. 22:17.
Salvation (in the Bible) involves the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life with God. As seen in the previous Scriptures, God is our Creator and as His creation we belong to Him and owe Him glory, praise, honor, and humble, loving service. The Bible also reveals how we have fallen short in this obligation, and that we “all have sinned” (without exception!). Furthermore, in reading the Scriptures cited we learn that God, through His great love, grace, and mercy, has made provisions in Christ for our forgiveness. Thus, reconciliation is made possible through (and only through) Jesus Christ, the Son of God (2 Cor. 5:17-19).
Salvation is conditional upon our willingness to accept God’s offer of salvation through Christ (Matt. 11:28; John 5:40; 12:48) and submit to the Lord’s terms of pardon (Matt. 7:21; Luke 6:46). For all who are willing to yield to the Heavenly Father, and lovingly serve Him as His faithful children, there is the glorious promise of eternal life with Him in heaven (Matt. 25:34).
This is but a brief summary of God’s scheme of redemption, or plan of salvation for mankind. To learn more, please request our free Bible Correspondence Course by clicking here.