To Reveal the Meaning of Salvation

Many people today either completely misunderstand or only partially understand the subject of salvation. There is no excuse for either of these situations. God has revealed His way of salvation in such a way that all can understand it (Ephesians 3:1-5). Since God requires all to know and understand it, He has revealed it in a way that it can be comprehended.

“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:17)

Written in terms that God expects all to understand, the Bible reveals:

• The meaning of salvation. When one complies with God’s conditions of pardon, all his sins are forgiven never to be remembered against him.
• The destiny of salvation. The end of the way of salvation is an eternal home in heaven and a crown of life.
• The method of salvation. The method by which one is saved is belief in and obedience to Jesus Christ.

In the Bible, salvation is pictured in many figures of speech that help one understand its meaning and that which it is able to accomplish in one’s life.

• A birth. (John 3:1-5) It is a birth that washes away sins (Acts 22:16) and adds one to the body of the saved. (Acts 2:47)
• A death. (Romans 6:1-5) A Christian has died to sin. Death to sin is accomplished when one is buried in water and raised to a new life. Immersion in water, baptism, is the only act connected with the religion of Christ in which one is buried and raised. Therefore, in baptism one dies to sin – his relationship to sin is terminated.
• Redemption. (Ephesians 1:3-7) One is redeemed by the blood of Christ which was shed on the cross (Eph. 3:7). Redemption takes place in Christ (Romans 3:24). Since redemption takes place in Christ, and one is baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27), therefore, redemption from sin and Satan does not take place until one is baptized into Christ.
• Justification. (Romans 4:23-25) Jesus paid the penalty for sins so that God might be just and the justifier of all who have faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:24-26)