The simplest definition of salvation is to be delivered (or rescued) from peril. The word took a bit more of a shape when I figured out it was connected with the preacher telling us we needed to “get saved.” The most common meaning of salvation is to be saved by God from the consequences of our sin. But the Bible speaks of our salvation in a bit fuller terms than simply being rescued from hell. When thinking about salvation it’s helpful to think about what we are saved from, what we are saved to, who we are saved by. It’s also helpful to think about our salvation as a past, present, and future happening.
Acts 4:12 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
“Salvation…” Since God has wrath for sin, no one can be saved apart from God’s help. Sending his one and only Son to die for us, God made a way for us to impute our sin onto Christ, who paid the penalty and imputed to us His righteousness by faith. If we do not repent and put our faith in Christ for our sins, we will pay our punishment in hell.
is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven…” There is truly no other way to be saved, since we are born in Adam, in sin, and all die. Our sinful nature is inherited since the fall, and we sin because of our sinfulness. Our salvation cleanses us from our sin by only one name, Jesus Christ. Since we must have an ultimate sacrifice, only the Son of God, who is the only one born sinless, can save us.
given to mankind by which we must be saved…” It is right to remember that our salvation is a total gift from our Father in heaven. Undeserved, it is a complete work of grace and mercy. We must be saved by this name alone, and the gift of life that is promised to those who believe in this
Romans 10:9
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.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.