Theology Position Topic Five: Soteriology

(Doctrine of Salvation)


What is Salvation?

The Holman Bible Dictionary defines it as “The acutely dynamic act of snatching others by force from serious peril. In its most basic sense, salvation is the saving of a life from death or harm. Scripture, particularly the New Testament, extends salvation to include deliverance from the penalty and power of sin.”[1] Salvation as described in the Bible includes various aspects of how we are saved.

* There is justification (Romans 5:1), the process by which an individual is brought into an unmerited, right relationship with another person [God].[2]

* There is redemption (Romans 3:24), to pay the required price to secure the release of a convicted criminal, the process therein involved.[3]

* There is regeneration (2 Corinthians 5:17), the radical spiritual change in which God brings an individual from a condition of spiritual defeat and death to a renewed condition of holiness and life.[4]

* We are adopted into God’s family (Galatians 4:5-7), an heir with His son Jesus.

* There is sanctification (1 Thessalonians 5:23), the process of being made holy resulting in a changed life-style for the believer.[5]

Salvation is the result of God’s love for man through the work of Jesus by delivering him from his lost condition in sin. He [God] alone is the cause of salvation, man is not included (Romans 9:15-16).

God is the originator and finisher of our salvation.

Salvation is a gift from God (Romans 6:23, 8:32). It is only available through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:10-12). Our salvation is not based on the things that we do, but upon the grace and mercy of God (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Our salvation does require repentance from our sins and declaring faith toward God (Romans 10:9, 10). The faith we declare is a faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16). He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). It is all about Him. Even before Jesus was born here on earth, it was still the faith in him that brought about salvation: “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter...considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24, 26).

What are some of the main results of salvation?

* Salvation forgives and cleanses us from our sins (1 John 1:9).

* Salvation brings about peace between man and God (Romans 5:1).

* In salvation we become a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17).

* We become a part of God’s family (Galatians 4:6, 7).

* After salvation we are commanded to live a righteous life filled with good works (Ephesians 2:10, James 2:26)

Perhaps one of the most important things about salvation is that it is to be shared with the whole world so that all mankind has the opportunity to be saved: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19, 20).

[1] Butler, Trent C. Editor. "Entry for 'SALVATION'". "Holman Bible Dictionary", 1991.
[2] Butler, Trent C. Editor. "Entry for 'JUSTIFICATION'". "Holman Bible Dictionary", 1991.
[3] Butler, Trent C. Editor. "Entry for 'REDEEM, REDEMPTION, REDEEMER'". "Holman Bible Dictionary", 1991.
[4] Butler, Trent C. Editor. "Entry for 'REGENERATION'". "Holman Bible Dictionary", 1991.
[5] Butler, Trent C. Editor. "Entry for 'SANCTIFICATION'". "Holman Bible Dictionary", 1991.