The True Meaning of Salvation

The True Meaning Of Salvation

The True Meaning Of Salvation

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12 NIV).

I had heard the term salvation for years, but was not entirely clear of its meaning. I have come to understand that salvation is “deliverance from danger or suffering.” To save is to deliver or protect. The word carries the idea of victory, health or preservation. Sometimes, the Bible uses the words “saved” or “salvation” to refer to temporal, physical deliverance — such as St. Paul’s deliverance from prison (Philippians 1:19).

Salvation is God’s gracious gift to us.  Ephesians 2:8 teaches us,  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

St. Paul describes salvation in Romans 3:23-24: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

So what is it then to be justified?  This means God treats us as if we were righteous. It is imperative that we remember that our righteousness comes from our faith in God and not our obedience to the Law (Philippians 3:9).

Jesus retreated from the crowds to find rest for Himself and His disciples.  According to Mark 6:31, “Crowds of people were coming and going so that Jesus and his followers did not even have time to eat. He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves, and we will go to a lonely place to get some rest.’”  God wants us to life a joy-filled life.  He also wants us to show His love to others.  He realizes that we can do neither if we are worn out.  If we recognize the true importance of our bodies as indicated in 1 Cor. 6:19-20, then rest seems more essential than a luxury.  “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

Moreover, St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8, “it’s by His grace.” It has nothing to do with me; we are saved by the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Redemption is simply a ransom that’s been paid for our sin and all of this is His free gift to us. Jesus equated being saved with entering the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24-26). We are saved from “wrath,” that is, from God’s judgment of sin (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). Our sin has separated us from God, and the consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23).  Biblical salvation refers to our deliverance from the consequence of sin and therefore involves the removal of sin.

We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel — the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe — fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19) and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13). Then as part of the Body of Christ, our service flows. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26) so I encourage you to accept this free gift and life everlasting. Stay in the Word and the Word will stay in you!  Be blessed.

Prayer:  Dear God, Thank you for the free gift of salvation due to the Blood of Jesus. Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” Romans 14:12 (NIV).

Throughout the Bible we are encouraged whenever possible to live in peace with our neighbors.  For example, Scripture teaches us to live in harmony (Romans 12:16), carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and help others in need (Deuteronomy 15:11).   Godly living calls us to turn the other cheek and returning evil with love.  We have the ability, and the Christian joyful obligation, to positively impact each other’s spiritual lives.  There is certainly strength in numbers.  You may recall the Scripture from Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

As a young man I took piano lessons and had a team.  My teacher and parents were my support team.  I was dependent on my teacher’s expert instruction to improve as a pianist.  Similarly, I treasured the moral and financial support from my parents.  Their encouragement and support meant everything to me.  Each year all of the teacher’s students would participate in a recital performance.  One by one we would go to the piano and play a song.  At that moment, each student stood alone.

I shared that story because it is similar to our path to salvation.  In this fallen and temporary world, we do indeed carry each other’s burdens.  We live out Proverbs 27:17 in formal and informal small groups.  Teamwork is essential to build God’s kingdom on earth.  We are called to live in community.  Matthew 18:20 encourages small groups by teaching us, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

However, we are ultimately responsible for our own salvation.  The Apostle Paul addresses this in Philippians 2:12“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”  Please note the wording “work out your salvation.”  Paul is clearly telling us that nobody except you can achieve your salvation.  This is consistent with his letter to Romans.  In Romans 14:12 he tells us exactly who will ultimately give our account to God.  “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”   My account will be given by me, and your account will be given by you.  Your pastor, parents, friend, or Sunday school teacher will not give your account to God.  I certainly don’t want to die today, but if I do I am confident in my salvation through the grace of God and the blood of His son.  I stand firm on the promise of Romans 10:9-10.  “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

Prayer:  Dear good and gracious God, You have blessed us with community.  From the beginning, you knew it was not good for man to live alone.  We thank you for fellow Christians that help, challenge, and sharpen us.   We joyfully confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that Jesus in our Lord and savior.  We take comfort in knowing that on the day of your choosing we will hear your words “Well done good and faithful servant” and we will join the great cloud of witnesses.  Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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