SCRIPTURE: "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life." Acts 5:20

– SALVATION: What It Means –

There are a number of different biblical notions to the term "salvation" as found in the Scriptures. In its most basic sense "salvation" simply means deliverance. This specific term "salvation" is best understood when viewed in relation to the given situation in which it is applicable. Thus its applied meaning is interchangeable according to these given situations.

Temporal Salvation:

Firstly there is a physical salvation, being individual or corporate – as seen in the temporal and corporeal deliverance out of harms way [Mt 8:25; Lk 23:39]. If someone were to rescue you out of harm's way it would be said that you have been "saved". This is exactly what Jesus meant when he said: "But he who endures to the end shall be saved." Mt 24:13 – Jesus was talking about the literal deliverance [salvation] that would be theirs in the forth coming "Roman rampage" that occurred in AD70, IF they changed their minds [repented] and believed and thus heeded his words; just as he gave further instruction here:

Lk 13:3-5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

Redemptive Salvation:

Next there is redemptive salvation, which is inclusive of all – where the forgiveness of sins brings reconciliation, i.e., restoration [Rom 11:15, 26-27; 2Cor 5:19; Eph 1:7; Col 1:13-14]. Again, "salvation" is not just redemption itself, though redemption is a salvation, but from what? Redemption saves us from the separating power of the sin condition through the unilateral atonement of Christ – "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Jn 1:29. The only part humanity played in this redemptive salvation was the sin that made it necessary.

Transformative Salvation:

Then there comes a transformative salvation, individually – where the Word and Spirit bring the freedom of change – what is called sanctification [Jas 1:21; 2Pet 1:3-4; Psa 19:7]. Having your mind renewed to this redemption is a salvation. Going through a constant transformation of understanding truth brings a salvation. When you go from believing something untrue to believing something that is true it delivers and transforms us. So what we believe can work a salvation, but it is a salvation in the renewing of the mind, which in consequence saves the soul. It does this by changing the way we view God, ourselves and others, bringing the realisation that God is at peace with us and has no wrath towards us.

Again, it is a misapplication of truth to say that "salvation" singularly ONLY means or refers to redemption. The various references above show where salvation is qualified as to its specific meaning; again, according to its applicable context. Many show that a personal commitment to seeking truth will bring with it a salvation in a changed mindset. However, the salvation that wrought man's redemption had nothing to do with man's mindset i.e., what he believes – that alone was Christ's redemptive work.

Then along with all these are those many Bible passages where the Greek text emphasises and encompasses all of the above respectively in either physical, spiritual or relational healing [saving] that God's restorative and mercy filled deliverance brings [Mk 6:56; Lk 7:50; Jas 5:15].

Now taking into account these biblically defined salvific expressions, we can say that based on the redemptive salvation of the world through Christ, all indeed in that sense are saved, yet as to actually knowing and realising this wonderful redemption personally, then no, in that sense all are not saved. Yet the more we grow in Christ's grace, then the more sanctifying deliverance [salvation] we experience from the toxicities of life. Knowing then that ALL are indeed redeemed, but that there is also a salvation to be enjoyed IN THIS LIFE in relationship with Christ gives "believers" an incredibly relevant message to share.

Thus in a nutshell we have:

Temporal Salvation = the escape [deliverance] out of harm's way.

Redemptive Salvation = the forgiveness [deliverance] of sins.

Transformative Salvation = the sanctification [deliverance] in the inner life.

[DISCUSS HERE]

David G. Embury © Copyright 2007à

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