Exegetical Essay: The Role Of Salvation In The Bible

Simply put, salvation refers to the deliverance of suffering or danger. It can be said to correlate with the idea of self-preservation. The Bible makes mention of the term “salvation” in respect to physical deliverance from danger or suffering. I find myself thinking about Paul, and his deliverance from a prison (Philippians 1:19). At other times, the term “salvation” refers to spiritual deliverance. As in when Paul was witnessing to the jailer and explaining what he had to do in order to be saved from damnation (Acts 16:30-31). This is very different from physical deliverance.
With regards to salvation, it is important to know its importance. According to the Gospel, due to salvation, we are saved from the wrath (judgement) of God. The wrath was imposed upon us, due to the Fall of Man. Of course, this fall directly stemmed from the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Due to their
disobedience, sin entered the world. It is because of sin, we are separated from God, when once upon a time we were not. Due to sin and our separation from God, the consequence is death. Because of God’s grace and mercy, he allowed for us to receive salvation, which removes sin, so that we are not damned for eternity.
Salvation did not come cheap.
It was paid for by the blood of Christ when he died for our sins. John 3:16-17 states, “16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (New International Version NIV).” Christ rescued us when he took his final breath on the cross, and when he was resurrected. It is very important to note that he had to shed his blood so that we may live. This act was undeserved, but due to God’s grace, it was given. In order to receive this gift, all we have to do is believe.
This brings me to my final point. We are saved from our sins by faith. When we hear the gospel, we must have faith and believe that the word is true. Then must trust in the Lord our God, fully. The final act involves repentance. This does not just merely mean to feel sorry for what we have done. We have to actually have a “change of mind” and turn from our wicked
ways.
Salvation is given by the grace of God. It saves us from eternal damnation, and is only granted to the individuals who believe that Christ Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we may be saved. Acts 4:12 states, “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 (New International Version NIV).” Salvation can never be earned on our own merit, but can only be achieved in Christ Jesus.

Reference
Holy Bible: New International Version. (2011). Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan.