What is Salvation?
“ What is Salvation?” This seems like a pretty simple question, yet
the answers people give may surprise you, especially when you notice the varied
responses to the same question. It’s somewhat like the simple question “Are you
a Christian?” Many of the responses to that question range from “ Yeah, I’m a
(insert name of denomination here)” or “ Yeah I go to (insert name of the
Church here)” or “Yep, I was born one” or I’m an American” or “ Certainly, I’m
a good person aren’t I”. It seems that the basic definition of words, such as
Christian or salvation, have changed or evolved over time, which by the way
happens to words all the time. Language by nature is fluid. What we need to
realize though, is the need to keep the original intent of the word, even as
culture and circumstances change. While we may change over time, the definition
of Salvation doesn’t. It is imperative to always retain the primary intent of
the word. Which brings me back to the original question, “What is Salvation?”.
Basically, salvation is the work Jesus Christ on the cross
for the penalty of your own sins, that the Father accepted as payment. In
theological terms, Jesus dying on the cross for us is the atonement of Christ.
The offer of God is free and unconditional, yet it requires of us faith and
trust in the work of Jesus Christ and that work alone. We are saved by grace
and grace alone. It is our faith in Christ alone that brings salvation to us.
Yet we need to understand the implications of salvation towards us.
Simultaneously we have been saved “from something” as well as “for someone”.
First we are saved from eternal death and separation from God and also we are
saved from Him, so that a deep and personal relationship can begin and
flourish. We belong to God. We were purchased with the blood of Jesus.
Therefore salvation is both a definitive moment (which is called justification
in theological terms) and salvation is also an ongoing process (which is called
sanctification in some more of those wonderful theological terms!). That’s why
the verse “Today is the accepted day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2) can have meaning
to the non believer concerning justification and also for the believer as for
sanctification. Believers don’t need to be saved from hell because they are
going to heaven (where else can a believer go, by the way?) yet, they may still
need to be saved from some of their own sinful desires and attitudes.
Can you see that for everything you learn, it should bring
about new questions as well as new insights. That’s the process of maturity and
growth. As and end to this discussion for now, salvation is exclusively God’s
business, and ultimately, only he has the right to say who is and who isn’t
saved. After all, it’s his kingdom and he has the right to set the standard.
That being said, we as believers and part of the body of Christ here and now,
can expect other believers to live a life of Godly morals, ethics and
character, which is worked out in good works that bring glory to God. In other
words we can evaluate the quality of the fruit we are professing to possess. In
essence we can be “fruit inspectors”. We just need to do so with the notion of
grace and mercy in mind. After all, isn’t that what God gives to us when we
approach His throne (Heb 4:16). So I hope I have given you a good answer to the
question “What is salvation” and at the same time caused you to think of some
other, newer deeper questions.
So until next time, may the grace of God lead you into a
fruitful life that will bring back glory to God and blessings to others.
Praise God.
Pastor Dave
