“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jews first and also to the Greek.” – Rom. 1:16.
God, our Father, bestows upon us the gift of eternal life through His Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Nonetheless, grasping the proper way to receive salvation can be difficult. To aid our understanding of His salvation, God points to diverse events in Scripture that elucidate the process in distinct ways.
The article explores three fundamental concepts: Salvation, Redemption, and Justification.
SALVATION
The Greek term for salvation, “Soteria,” signifies “rescue” or “deliverance” from danger, destruction, and peril. “Soteria” originates from “Soter,” meaning “Savior,” and “Sozo,” which means to save, rescue, or deliver. In classical Greek, “Soteria” encompasses both “deliverance” and “preservation.” Furthermore, “Soteria” implies the restoration to a state of safety, soundness, health, and well-being, along with safeguarding from the risk of destruction.
In the Old Testament, God is revealed as a Savior (Psalm 27:1, 88:1, Deuteronomy 26:8). The New Testament depicts salvation as a “Way” or “Path” leading to eternal life with God (Matthew 7:14, Mark 12:14, John 14:6, Acts 9:2, 16:17, 22:4, 2 Peter 2:21, Hebrews 10:20). Persisting on this path of salvation is crucial until the end.
Salvation can be explained in three stages, two aspects, and one way.
1. ONLY WAY (TO SALVATION)
Access to God, our Father, is solely through His Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, as stated in John 14:6 and Acts 4:12. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, bestowed through His Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, as per Romans 3:24. This gift was made possible by Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 3:25, 5:8), His resurrection (Romans 5:10), and His continuous intercession on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25).
2. TWO ASPECTS OF SALVATION
(i) Grace (ii) Faith
Salvation is bestowed through God’s grace (Romans 3:22, 24-25, 28) and is embraced by faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. This divine grace (John 1:16) is received as individuals place their faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior (Acts 16:31; Romans 1:17; Ephesians 1:15, 2:8).
3. THREE STAGES OF SALVATION
(A) The believer’s personal experience of being forgiven for their sins is a component of the First Stage (Past Stage) of salvation (Acts 10:43; Romans 4:6-8). Additionally, as stated in 1 John 3:14, it encompasses the shift from spiritual death to life, from the dominion of sin to Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior (Romans 6:17-23), and from the power of Satan to God, our Father (Acts 26:18). This liberation from sin’s guilt (Romans 1:16; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 1:18) also draws us nearer to God (John 1:12).
(B) During the Second Stage, also known as the Present Stage, the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit, which liberates them from sinful habits and the dominion of sin. This stage encompasses the following aspects:
(i) Grace is given to every believer to accept Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and to recognize God as our Father, as described in Matthew 6:9, John 14:18-23, and Galatians 4:6.
(ii)The belief that we are spiritually dead to sin is a profound concept that shapes our spiritual journey. This belief finds support in scriptures like Romans 6:1-14, which highlight the notion of dying to our former sinful nature and being reborn through Christ. Moreover, living in harmony with the Spirit, as outlined in Romans 8:1-17, is vital for sustaining this belief and leading a sin-free life. Additionally, adhering to God’s Word, as affirmed in John 8:31, 14:21, and 2 Timothy 3:15-16, is crucial for fortifying our faith and ensuring we follow the correct path.
(iii) The invitation to experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33-39; Ephesians 5:18) and the directive to remain in a sanctified state are crucial elements of the Christian doctrine. Believers are encouraged to earnestly pursue and welcome the Holy Spirit, as promised in Scripture (Acts 2:33-39). Such an encounter fosters a profound bond with God and equips the faithful to lead lives of sanctity and virtue. Ephesians 5:18 instructs us to be filled with the Spirit, implying a continuous process of seeking and yielding to the Spirit’s influence and strength.
(iv)The message encourages us to turn away from sin and the corrupt generation we live in. Romans 6:1-14 urges us to escape from sin and pursue a life of righteousness. Similarly, we should pay attention to Acts 2:40 and 2 Corinthians 6:17, which advise us to distance ourselves from this corrupt era.
(v) Issuing a clarion call to engage in relentless spiritual warfare against Satan and his forces is crucial for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Understanding the significance of this battle, which is spiritual rather than physical, as described in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 and Ephesians 6:11 and 16, is the first step. Additionally, being vigilant of the enemy’s strategies, as advised in 1 Peter 5:8, is essential to safeguard ourselves and our faith.
(C) The following makes up the Third Stage (Future Stage):
(1 Thessalonians 5:8–9; Romans 13:11–12; 1 Peter. 1:5)
(i)To be delivered from the impending wrath of God. (Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 3:15; 5:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9)
(ii) To partake in divine glory (1 Corinthians 15:49; Romans 8:29) and to be adorned with a resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:52).
(iii) To be granted rewards as faithful conquerors. (Revelation 2:7)
Christians endeavor to attain future salvation, as depicted in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Philippians 3:8-14. The intent behind present admonitions and corrective actions is to safeguard this anticipated salvation from being forfeited, as advised in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Philippians 2:12,16, 2 Peter 1:5-11, and Hebrews 12:1.
REDEMPTION
TThe Greek term for redemption, “apolutrosis,” signifies the liberation of captives by paying a ransom. “Apolutrosis” denotes a release achieved through ransom payment. Derived from ‘apo’ (meaning ‘from’) and ‘lytroo’ (meaning ‘redeem’), “apolutrosis” highlights the separation (safety margin) established between the redeemed individuals and their former bondage.
The term’s explanation seeks to understand the method by which salvation was achieved through ransom. It also questions the specific ransom that was given for redemption.
(i) From which sinful condition are we to be redeemed?
According to the New Testament, humanity has strayed from the pursuit of God (Romans 3:10-18), fallen under the oppression of Satan’s realm (Acts 10:38; 26:18), and become captive to sin (Romans 6:6; 7:14). It describes a state of bondage that includes a burdened conscience, punishment, and power, from which people are to be liberated (Acts 26:18; Romans 1:18; 6:1-18, 23; Ephesians 5:8; Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9).
(ii) Ransom that was given to set us free from slavery:
Christ Jesus sacrificed Himself as a ransom for us, paid with His own blood. This act of redemption is mentioned in Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45, affirming that Jesus gave Himself for our sake. This truth is further supported by scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 6:20, Ephesians 1:7, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:12, and 1 Peter 1:18-19.
(iii) The end time for the redeemed:
Faithful individuals redeemed by Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, are now free from Satan’s rule, liberated from sin’s sway, and absolved of a guilty conscience (Acts 26:18; Romans 6:7; 12, 14, 18; Colossians 1:13). Though we are freed from sin, now belonging to God through the precious blood of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we are not to act on our own desires. Instead, being released from sin, we recognize we are not our own, having been bought at a price; therefore, we gladly serve God as His servants (Acts 26:18; Romans 6:18, 22; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 7:22-23).
(iv) The concept of redemption presented in the Old Testament is a foreshadowing of the redemption expounded in the New Testament teachings. A key example of redemption in the Old Testament is the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian enslavement, as mentioned in Exodus 6:7 and 12:26. Additionally, in the Old Testament era, the sacrificial blood of animals served as atonement for sins, as recorded in Leviticus 9:8.
JUSTIFICATION
The term “justification” refers to the act of being deemed righteous in the sight of God, as described in Romans 2:13.
The term “justification” is derived from the Greek word “dikaiōsis,” which was originally a technical legal term meaning “to make [someone] righteous.” In ancient secular Greek, “dikaíōsis” was closely associated with the urgent need to be freed from deserved punishment. “Dikaíōsis” is the term in the “dik-” word family that most closely corresponds with the theological concept of “justification.” Theologically, “dikaíōsis” (justification) appears only in Romans 4:25 and Romans 5:18-19, focusing on the acquittal from the penalty of sin through Christ—meaning a person is moved from being eternally “condemned” to “divinely pardoned” upon conversion. “Justification” signifies divine approval, emphasizing Christ’s complete payment for sin, which frees the believer from all divine condemnation.
It significantly represents the correct relationship we have with God. God forgives, accepts, and bestows divine love, restoring the right relationship with Himself to those who, accused as sinners under the Law and destined for eternal death, repent. Apostle Paul discloses multiple truths concerning the concept of justification and its realization in those who repent of their sins.
(i) Being reconciled with God is a gift. (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8) No one can achieve reconciliation with God through their own deeds or adherence to the Law. (Romans 4:2-6) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
(ii) Conformity to God is achieved through redemption in Christ Jesus, as stated in Romans 3:24. Without redemption from sin and its power through Christ Jesus, one cannot attain righteousness.
(iii) Union with God is also achieved through God’s grace and the acceptance of Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, by faith in Him. (Romans 3:22-24; 4:3-5)
(iv)Conformity with God is linked to the act of forgiving our sins. (Romans 4:7) Although sinners are judged guilty (Romans 3:9-18, 23), they are pardoned through the redemptive death of Christ Jesus and His resurrection. (Romans 3:25; 4:5; 4:25, 5:6-9)
(v) When we conform to God through faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we are united with Him in crucifixion. Christ Jesus then dwells within us (Galatians 2:16-21). This experience justifies us, and we start living for God. We now live by faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:19-21). The transformation enacted by the Holy Spirit within us is inseparable from the redemptive act of Christ Jesus within us. The work of Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one and the same, interdependent (2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Peter 1:2).