What does the Bible mean by salvation?

This is the singularly most important question one will have to answer in their life. The consequences of their answer are eternal. As Christians this becomes a very important subject for us, not only in our own salvation, but in the understanding and ability to explain the Bible’s true meaning. I guess that we should ask ourselves as Christians why so many people misunderstand or are turned away by the word ‘saved.’ The reason is simple; many of us do not understand ourselves what salvation truly is. We go through life knowing that God has made a difference in us, and even if we are trying to live righteous lives, many times we do not consider that dying world around us who desperately needs to know the truth about the salvation that has been extended to them.

First, we must establish what we are being saved from. Many may be thinking, “I know the answer, it is Hell, right?” Well, partially, but there is something much more fundamental than the fiery pit of despair that we hear so much about and see so much of on Primetime TV. Romans 3:23 says that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” We must understand that none of us are good enough to reach God on our own. Because of our sins there is an impassable chasm between where we are and God. There is a price that must be paid for the sin that we have. The bad news is that we cannot pay this debt; none of us are good enough to do this. We must understand that we are not saved because we are good or because we are better than any other person—all of us are wicked and deserve death and eternal separation from God. But, this is why Jesus came and paid the ultimate price for our salvation.

Next, we must understand what we are saved into. Because of God’s extreme love for us we have been grafted into his body. This may sound weird to non-Christians…well, I am sure that it does, but I am talking about a family, a relationship with the one who formed us ex nihilo-or “from nothing”. This family of God is called the Church. It is not some mystically connected group of people, but is closest resemblance of God that we can reach—at least in its ideal form. God is three entities in one, probably the most difficult things for a non-Christian to accept. This Trinity, as it is known, consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each aspect or entity of God lives together in perfect harmony with the others, wholly completing one another. This is the truest form of community or family and is the example which the Church is supposed to model.

Then, we must ask ourselves who and/or what is affected by salvation. This is a very inclusive answer but it is true, everything will be affected by salvation. When salvation is complete at the return of Christ we will see how separation from God has truly affected Creation. Romans 8:22-23 says, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Everything in creation is eager for the fulfillment of our salvation.

So, is salvation an individual experience, or a corporate one? Truthfully the answer is both, because Christ has come and desires a personal, intimate relationship with each and every one of us. We are individually accountable for our decision to choose salvation; however, we many times see this it as only this. Salvation in many ways is more of a corporate event than an individual experience. I am not speaking of the present salvation that is being worked out in each of our lives, but the salvation of the Church, the restoration of God’s creation—which is in His image. I spoke about God as the Trinity before and that this is truly who God is. Being created in God’s image then means more than just our physical attributes, it means that we were made to reflect the community of the Trinity in the Church. This is the corporate salvation of the body of Christ, and we are its limbs.

What are the roles of the Trinity in our salvation? The Trinity is very actively involved in our salvation. As the Father, God set this plan in motion, creating a way for us to be restored to the fullness of a relationship with Him. As the Son, God came to Earth, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rising again He exacted power over death and the grave. As the Holy Spirit, God has come to guide and comfort us and giving us strength to complete the work that God has given us. Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Not only has God redeemed us, bringing us salvation in the face of eternal death, but He has commanded us to reach the world with this message.

Because of this command we must have a practical understanding of the role of the Church in salvation. Matthew 28:18-20 clearly outlines God’s desire for our lives: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” The Church is to be the support and the family, but it is called to reach the dying world around it with the true message of Christ’s salvation. Why is the world so confused about being ‘saved’? Why are so many jaded and embittered towards anything pertaining to Christianity? It is because the Church is not doing what it is supposed to do, it is not living as the community of believers that it is supposed to do. It is not reflecting God in its relationships within its own walls, much less to those outside of them. We must begin living as we have been called. We can no longer conform to the ways of the world. If we look at ourselves and see nothing different the world will see the same thing, and desire nothing of God. When will the redeemed of the Lord start living like the Gospel is true? When will those called by God stand and be counted among the throngs of needy souls? How long must we wait to see the truth of God consuming the hearts of people in every tribe and nation? It could be today, it could be with you, but it starts right now in each of our hearts.