What is salvation?
Quick Answer
Salvation is God's deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ, restoring our relationship with God and granting eternal life.
Understanding Salvation
In the Bible, salvation refers to God's act of rescuing humanity from the power and penalty of sin. It encompasses deliverance from spiritual death, freedom from bondage to sin, and the restoration of fellowship with God. Salvation is not something humans can earn through their own efforts or good works; rather, it is a gift from God received through faith. The Greek word 'soteria' and Hebrew 'yeshua' both convey the idea of rescue, deliverance, and preservation. At its core, salvation addresses humanity's fundamental problem: separation from God due to sin. Through salvation, believers receive forgiveness of sins, are declared righteous before God (justification), are progressively transformed into Christ's likeness (sanctification), and will ultimately be completely freed from sin's presence (glorification). This comprehensive redemption affects every aspect of human existence - spiritual, moral, and ultimately physical through the resurrection.
In the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, salvation often referred to physical deliverance from enemies, danger, or oppression. God saved Noah from the flood, Israel from Egyptian slavery, and David from his enemies. The Exodus became the paradigmatic act of salvation, demonstrating God's power to redeem His people. The Hebrew word 'yasha' (to save, deliver) appears throughout the Psalms and Prophets, often pointing forward to a greater spiritual deliverance. The prophets spoke of a coming Messiah who would bring ultimate salvation, not just from earthly enemies, but from sin itself.
In the New Testament
In the New Testament, salvation takes on its fullest meaning through Jesus Christ. His name 'Jesus' (Yeshua) literally means 'the Lord saves.' Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished what the Old Testament sacrificial system could only foreshadow - complete atonement for sin. Salvation in the New Testament is presented as past (we have been saved from sin's penalty), present (we are being saved from sin's power), and future (we will be saved from sin's presence). The apostles proclaimed that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, apart from works of the law.
Key Scripture References
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Read full commentary →Romans 10:9“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Read full commentary →John 3:16“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Read full commentary →Acts 4:12“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Read full commentary →Titus 3:5“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
Read full commentary →Romans 6:23“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
Want to Learn More About Salvation?
Ask a Biblical figure directly about this concept. Get Scripture-grounded answers in their own voice.
Explore More Concepts
What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ in character and conduct, separating them from sin for holy purposes.
What is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that God eternally exists as three distinct persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - who are one in essence, equal in power and glory.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity - fully God - who convicts of sin, regenerates believers, indwells them, and empowers them for godly living and service.
What is the sovereignty of God?
God's sovereignty means He has supreme authority and power over all creation - nothing happens outside His control, and He works all things according to His perfect will and purposes.
What is a covenant?
A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement between God and His people, establishing a relationship with promises, obligations, and signs - the framework through which God relates to humanity.
What is the Law in the Bible?
The Law (Torah) refers to God's commandments given through Moses, including moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations that revealed God's standards and Israel's need for a Savior.