Background
The Bible is a collection of texts originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek by biblical authors who sought to understand and explain the will of God in relation to salvation. Throughout the ages, different scholars have studied the Bible and made many differing interpretations of its contents. This article will explore the Bible’s thoughts on salvation and discuss how salvation is seen in the Bible.
Essence of Salvation
The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of God so that all people can receive eternal life. In Romans 5:10, it states that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and others purify us from all unrighteousness. The Bible also teaches that salvation is freely given by grace through faith in Christ, who died for our sins. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that we are saved by grace through faith and not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. In this way, it is only through faith in God’s grace that we can be saved.
Actions to Obtain Salvation
The Bible teaches us that in order to receive salvation, there are certain actions that we must do. One such action is to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. In John 3:16, it says that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Another action is to confess our sins and repent of our sins. In 1 John 1:9 it says if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us. Lastly, we should live in obedience to God’s commands and will. In Romans 6:15-16, it states that as believers, we should not let sin reign in our mortal bodies, but should instead offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to Him.
Relation to Other Beliefs
The Bible’s teachings on salvation can differ to that of other faith traditions. For example, many non-Christian beliefs state that a person can only receive salvation through good deeds or works. The Bible however teaches that salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ and not of works. The Bible also states that salvation is only for those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and repented of their sins.
God’s Love in Context of Salvation
The Bible teaches that God loves mankind, and wants us all to be saved. In John 3:16 it says that “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life”. This teaching highlights God’s love and grace, which are essential in understanding salvation.
God’s Mercy
The Bible also talks about God’s mercy towards mankind. God’s mercy is seen in Romans 5:20, which states, “but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound”. God’s mercy also enables us to receive salvation even though we are undeserving of it.
Purpose of Salvation
The Bible teaches us that salvation is for a divine purpose and that when we accept Jesus as our Lord, that our lives should reflect this through obedience and good works. According to Ephesians 2:10, “we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works”. This teaching highlights that salvation is more than just an individual experience, it is actually a call to action and a way of life.
Purpose of the Church
The Bible teaches us that the role of the Church is to act as a living example of the faith. According to Acts 2:42-47, the Church should “devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. This teaching highlights the power of the Church to support and encourage people as they strive to accept salvation and live in accordance with faith.
Qualifications and Evidence of Faith
The Bible teaches that there are certain qualifications that must be met in order to receive and evidence salvation. Firstly, according to 1 John 5:1, we must have faith in God and demonstrate this faith through our actions and words. Secondly, in Romans 10:9, it states that we must confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and then believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead. Lastly, in 1 Peter 1:15-16, it tells us to be holy in all our conduct, and this will be the evidence of our saving faith.
Evidence of Salvation Through Good Works
The Bible teaches us that although salvation is received by grace through faith, there is evidence of salvation through good works. According to Ephesians 2:8-10, we are saved by grace through faith, and not of works, as a result of the kindness and love of God. Furthermore, in James 2:14-18 it states that faith by itself, is dead, and must be accompanied by works to demonstrate its existence.
Redemption Through Jesus
The Bible teaches us that Jesus died for our sins and was raised back to life for us to be redeemed of our sins. In Romans 4:25 it states that “Jesus was delivered up for our trespass and raised for our justification”. This teaches that Jesus’ death and resurrection are connected to our justification and redemption from sin.
How Salvation Affects our Lives
The Bible teaches us that salvation has a powerful effect on our lives. Firstly, it gives us a new spiritual being in which we can experience the Kingdom of God by living in harmony with God’s will (Romans 14:17). Secondly, it enables us to lay aside the things of this world and to focus instead on eternity (Colossians 3:1-3). Thirdly, it helps us to stay strong and determined to do the will of God (Ephesians 2:10). Lastly, it gives us hope and peace in our time of need (Romans 8:24-25).
Sanctification Through Salvation
The Bible teaches us that salvation is more than just forgiveness of our sins, it is also the process of being set apart as holy. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, it states “that each one of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honour, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God”. This teaching highlights the importance of living a holy and sanctified life, as this is one of the effects of salvation.
Freedom of Life Through Salvation
The Bible teaches us that by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and walking in sanctified obedience, we can experience a freedom of life given to us through salvation. According to Galatians 5:1-6, it states “stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage”. This highlights the freedom of life, which is imparted to us through salvation, by being united with Him in faith.
Remaining Faithful
The Bible teaches us that in order to maintain a saving faith and walk in the light of an obedient lifestyle, we must remain faithful. According to Hebrews 10:38-39 it states, “the just shall live by faith”. This highlights the importance of having a living, active faith in order to experience the fullness of God’s salvation.
Life of Service
The Bible teaches us that as believers, we should live a life of service to others. According to Galatians 5:13, it states “by love serve one another”. This highlights the role of living a life of service, which is essential in the journey towards and receiving salvation.
Importance of Repentance
The Bible teaches us that an essential part in accepting salvation, is repentance. According to Acts 2:38, it says “Repent and be baptized”. This teaching highlights the importance of repentance in order to accept God’s gift of salvation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has explored the Bible’s thoughts on salvation and discussed how salvation is seen in the Bible. It highlights the actions necessary to obtain salvation, the relationship of salvation to other faiths, God’s love and mercy as well as the evidence of salvation through good works. Additionally, it discusses how salvation affects our lives, redemption through Jesus and how repentance is a necessary part of salvation. Finally, it looked at the importance of remaining faithful and living a life of service.
