Does the New Testament teach people are saved by grace? Yes? No? In what sense? What does salvation mean? What are people saved from? Who or what does the saving?
In classical Greek the verb sōzō “to save” and noun sōtēria “salvation” are used for the concept of “rescue,” “deliverance” or “salvation,” and even “well-being” or “health.” (Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (p. 1884). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.)
This word study has been created by looking at all instances of the words ‘save’ and ‘salvation’ in the New Testament. <Insert exegetical fallacy defense here> I realise concepts related to salvation can also exist where the word is not used.
I have listed all the relevant passages and then grouped them according to various categories. But I believe the main body of truths is covered by this search.
The concepts are often mutually reinforcing, so some passages used to support one concept can also be used to support others.
Here is an overall list of the categories and their passages we will be looking at.
Saved from …
- Saved from sickness (Lk 17.19; Acts 14.9)
- Saved from death (Lk 1.71; 6.9; Mt 8.25; 14.30; Mk 3.4; Jn 12.27; Acts 27:20,31,43; Heb 5.7)
- Saved from sins (Mt 1.21; Lk 7.48-50; Acts 2.40)
- Saved from wrath (Rom 5.9)
Jesus saved others but did not save himself (Mt 27:39–42; Mk 15.30-31; Mt 27:49–50; Lk 23:35–39)
Who can be saved? (Mt 19:23–26; Mk 10.26; Lk 18.26; Lk 19:9)
Tenses of Salvation
- When people first come to faith – PAST TENSE (Jn 10.9; Acts 2.47; 11.14; 7.25; 15.1; Rom 8.23-24; Eph 2.5-8; 2 Thes 2.13; 1 Tim 2.4; Tit 3.5)
- Losing one’s life for Jesus (Mt 16.25)
- Believe in the Lord Jesus (Acts 16.30-31)
- Calling on the Lord (Acts 2.20-21)
- Baptism saves (Mk 16.16; 1 Pet 3.21)
- Process of Salvation – PRESENT TENSE (1 Cor 1.18; 15.2; 2 Cor 2.15; Jude 1.3-5; Rev 12.10; Lk 1.77; 1 Pet 2.1-3)
- Endurance and Persistence (Mt 10.22; Mk 13.13; Mt 24.13,22; Mk 13.20; 1 Tim 2.15)
- Involvement in Salvation (Mk 8.35; Lk 9.24; Acts 2.40; Jas 2.14; Phil 2.12-13)
- Saved in the end – FUTURE TENSE
- Saved from wrath (Rom 5.9; 1 Thes 1.9-10; 5.8-9)
Salvation is near (Rom 13.11)
Instruments of Salvation
- Jesus saves (Lk 19.10; Jn 3.17; 12.47; 1 Tim 1.15; Rom 5.10; Heb 2.10; 5.9; 7.25; 9.28; Jas 4.12)
- The Gospel saves (Lk 8.12; Acts 13.26; 16.17; 28.28; Rom 1.16; Eph 1.13; 6.17; Jas 1.21)
- People saving others (Jn 5.34; Acts 13.47; Rom 11.11-14; 1 Cor 1.21; 7.16; 9.22; 10.33; 2 Cor 1.6; 1 Thes 2.16; Jas 5.15,20; Jude 1.23)
- People saving themselves (Rom 10.9-10; Jas 2.14; 1 Cor 5.5; 2 Cor 7.10; 2 Thes 2.10; 1 Tim 4.13-16; 2 Tim 3.15-17)
Salvation and Grace (Tit 2.11; 1 Pet 1.8-10; Eph 2.5-8; 2 Tim 1.9; Acts 15.1-11)
Salvation in Christ (Lk 1.67-70; 2.25-32; 3.2-6; Jn 4.22; Acts 4.12; 2 Tim 2.10; Rev 7.10; 19.1)
Number of people saved (Lk 13.23; Rom 9.27; 10.1; 11.26)
Signs of Salvation (Php 1.27-30)
General Sense (2 Cor 6.2; Heb 2.3; 6.9; 2 Pet 3.15)
The table above is a quick and easy reference to understand the whole without looking at each and every passage.
Now I will walk you through the passages I refer to above.
Saved from …
Salvation is an act of deliverance from some sort of calamity or trouble. Not all instances are clear what kind of calamity a person is being saved from. But some are.
The New Testament says God’s people can be saved from sickness, death, sins and the wrath of God.
Saved from sickness (Lk 17.19; Acts 14.9)
19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well [has SAVED you].” (Lk 17.19)
9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well [be SAVED], (Acts 14:9)
Both instances refer to salvation in alternate readings of the text. Both involve healings and faith. In both cases its faith to assume that more than just healing is on view. I assume they have also had their sins forgiven and have been made right with God.
Saved from death (Lk 1.71; 6.9; Mt 8.25; 14.30; Mk 3.4; Jn 12.27; Acts 27:20,31,43; Heb 5.7)
71 that we should be SAVED from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; (Lk 1.71)
25 And they went and woke him, saying, “SAVE us, Lord; we are perishing.” (Mt 8.25)
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, SAVE me.” (Mt 14.30)
4 And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to SAVE life or to kill?” But they were silent. (Mk 3.4; Lk 6.9)
27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, SAVE me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. (Jn 12.27)
20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being SAVED was at last abandoned. (Acts 27:20)
31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be SAVED.” (Acts 27:31)
43 But the centurion, wishing to SAVE Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, (Acts 27.43)
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to SAVE him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. (Heb 5.7)
In each case salvation is being mentioned in relation to death. Sometimes people fear being killed by their enemies. At other times by drowning. Jesus insists it’s lawful to save life on the Sabbath.
Saved from sins (Mt 1.21; Lk 7.48-50; Acts 2.40)
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will SAVE his people from their sins.” (Mt 1:21)
48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has SAVED you; go in peace.” (Lk 7:48–50)
40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “SAVE yourselves from this crooked generation.” (Acts 2:40)
In each case some sort of salvation from sins is in view. What this means exactly is not clear. It could mean saved from the punishment associated with sin. It could mean saved from the very act of sinning and being a slave to sin. I think it means both. Peter in the last verse calls his audience to stand apart from the generation of people they live with.
Saved from wrath (Rom 5.9)
9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be SAVED by him from the wrath of God. (Rom 5:9)
This is not the only passage where is describes people being saved from wrath. I will quote the others below when we look at future tense.
According to Paul there are two ways God deals out his wrath. His just response to the unrighteousness of man. The first tell us the wrath of God is revealed through him by giving people up’ to more and more sin (Rom 1.24,26,28). The letting go aspect is a punishment for sin in itself.
The second refers to the punishment God will deal out to those who are ‘self seeking and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness’ and ‘does evil’. They will suffer ‘wrath and fury’. Paul is referring to something that will happen in the future to all those who persist in these behaviours. In Rom 5.9, because believers have been made righteous by Jesus blood, Paul is assured they will be saved by the wrath to come.
Jesus saved others but did not save himself (Mt 27:39–42; Mk 15.30-31; Mt 27:49–50; Lk 23:35–39)
39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, SAVE yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He SAVED others; he cannot SAVE himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. (Mt 27:39–42; Mk 15.30-31)
49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to SAVE him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. (Mt 27:49–50)
35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He SAVED others; let him SAVE himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, SAVE yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? SAVE yourself and us!” (Lk 23:35–39)
Jesus and the criminals are hanging on the cross. They are going to die. The mockers seem to refer to instances where Jesus has saved people from death (‘he saved others’). But it’s obvious they don’t believe in Jesus even though they know of this. They dare him to save himself and if they do they will believe. The passages are laced with irony and beg a series of questions about whether to believe Jesus is the Christ and he can save. The answer is yes and the way he saves is through the cross.
Who can be saved? (Mt 19:23–26; Mk 10.26; Lk 18.26; Lk 19:9)
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be SAVED?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Mt 19:23–26; Mk 10.26; Lk 18.26)
9 And Jesus said to him, “Today SALVATION has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. (Lk 19:9)
When Jesus expressed how hard it was for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, they rightly perceived it was impossible for men to be saved of themselves. Jesus says with God, all things are possible and then goes on to describe where God has done this (Mt 19.28-31).
The second passage highlights the answer to the question who can be saved – sons of Abraham, the covenant people of God.
Tenses of Salvation
A general summary of salvation, highlighting its past, present, and future dimensions, would go something like this: “Salvation is a process that begins when a person first becomes a Christian, continues through the rest of his life, and is completed when he stands before God in judgment.”
This summary allows the faithful Christian to do justice to all of the biblical data by saying, in faith and hope,
“I have been saved; I am being saved; and I will be saved.”
It embraces all three of the dimensions of salvation that are present in the biblical literature.
When people first come to faith – PAST TENSE (Jn 10.9; Acts 2.47; 11.14; 7.25; 15.1; Rom 8.23-24; Eph 2.5-8; 2 Thes 2.13; 1 Tim 2.4; Tit 3.5)
9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be SAVED and will go in and out and find pasture. (Jn 10:9)
Jesus says is anyone ‘enters by him he will be saved’. Entering denotes initial conversion. The salvation spoken of here is initial salvation when someone comes to faith.
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being SAVED. (Acts 2:47)
14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be SAVED, you and all your household.’ (Acts 11:14)
Both instances refer to the apostles ministry and people who have been or will come to faith.
25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them SALVATION by his hand, but they did not understand. (Acts 7:25)
Stephen refers to Moses attempt to help his Hebrew brothers before he initially left Egypt. The passage is not about coming to faith. However in a sense Stephen seems to believe Moses was offering them a new life free from slavery.
15 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be SAVED.” (Acts 15.1)
I’ll be dealing with this passage in greater detail below. The Pharisee Christians are insisting the Gentile believe be circumcised. Circumcision was an initiation rite used to convert a person to Judaism. Hence they are speaking about salvation as an initial event into a new life of Judaism.
23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were SAVED. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? (Rom 8:23-24)
Paul says they were saved in the hope of adoption as sons and the redemption of their bodies – resurrection. Since they have been saved. He must be referring to the event when they came to faith and they are looking forward to this event.
5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been SAVED 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been SAVED through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Eph 2:5–8)
This is an amazing passage. Unfortunately it can be misunderstood as meaning people are or will be saved by grace through faith. No, it doesn’t say that.
The passage speaks of salvation as a past event – “ you have been saved.” In Greek this is the perfect tense, which denotes a past, completed action that has continuing effects in the present.
13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be SAVED, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. (2 Thes 2:13)
4 who desires all people to be SAVED and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:4)
Each of these refers to people coming to faith through the gospel.
5 he SAVED us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (Tit 3:5)
Paul refers to when they first came to faith.
Losing one’s life for Jesus (Mt 16.25)
25 For whoever would SAVE his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mt 16:25)
Following Jesus requires sacrifice. One has to give up his life to follow him. This is a choice people make when they first come to faith.
Believe in the Lord Jesus (Acts 16.30-31)
30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be SAVED?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be SAVED, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31)
The man is not clear on what he means by being saved? In context every prison door has been opened. When prisoners escaped the prison guards were killed as punishment (Acts 12.19). He could be seeking salvation from this punishment. However Paul has been in the prison for enough time for the jailer to recognise people are saved through Jesus. So Paul instructs him to believe in Jesus to be saved.
Calling on the Lord (Acts 2.20-21)
20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be SAVED.’ (Acts 2:20-21)
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be SAVED.” (Rom 10:13)
Both passages quote Joel 2.32. In the Acts passage Peter is sharing the gospel with the Jews who took note of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the apostles speaking in tongues. In Romans, Paul goes on to speak about people coming to faith through the gospel (Rom 10.14-17).
Baptism saves (Mk 16.16; 1 Pet 3.21)
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be SAVED, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mk 16:16)
21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now SAVES you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Pet 3.21)
The passages connect baptism with salvation. In Acts people were baptised when they first came to faith (Acts 2.38,41; 8.12-13,16,36-38; 9.18; 10.47-48; 16.15,33; 18.8; 19.5; 22.16).
Process of Salvation – PRESENT TENSE (1 Cor 1.18; 15.2; 2 Cor 2.15; Jude 1.3-5; Rev 12.10; Lk 1.77; 1 Pet 2.1-3)
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being SAVED it is the power of God. (1 Cor 1:18)
2 and by which you are being SAVED, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. (1 Cor 15:2)
15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being SAVED and among those who are perishing, (2 Cor 2:15)
Each of these passages speaks about the process of salvation. 1 Cor 15 says believers are being saved by the gospel.
3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common SALVATION, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who SAVED a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. (Jude 1:3-5)
Jude is referring to their ‘common salvation’. He addresses existing believers, they need to ‘contend for the faith’. In Jude 1.21 he says ‘keep yourself in the love of God’. I suggest from the immediate context Jude is speaking about salvation as something they are all experiencing as believers.
10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the SALVATION and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. (Rev 12:10)
Salvation has come. It is something people can experience now.
77 to give knowledge of SALVATION to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, (Lk 1:77)
When people first come to faith and are forgiven, they learn about salvation.
2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into SALVATION 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Pet 2:1–3)
They have tasted the LORD is good. They have come to faith. Peter instructs them to long for ‘pure spiritual milk’. Knowledge and perhaps experience. Using it they ‘will grow up into salvation’. Some sort of mature state.
Endurance and Persistence (Mt 10.22; Mk 13.13; Mt 24.13,22; Mk 13.20; 1 Tim 2.15)
21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be SAVED. (Mt 10.21-22; cf. Mk 13.13)
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Mt 24:9–14)
…
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be SAVED. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short (Mt 24:21-22; cf. Mk 13.20).
15 Yet she will be SAVED through childbearing, if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. (1 Tim 2:15)
Each of the passages state salvation includes an element of endurance.
Involvement in Salvation (Mk 8.35; Lk 9.24; Acts 2.40; Jas 2.14; Phil 2.12-13)
35 For whoever would SAVE his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will SAVE it. (Mk 8:35; Lk 9.24)
40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “SAVE yourselves from this crooked generation.” (Acts 2:40)
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith SAVE him? (Jas 2.14; cf. Gal 5.6)
Each of these passages describe people’s involvement in their own salvation.
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own SALVATION with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Phil 2:12-13)
In the immediate context of these verses Paul has encouraged his audience to imitate Christ’s humility and is about to urge them to be different from the society around them. In this context Paul instructs his audience to ‘work out’ their own salvation and this is matter of their obedience. He also highlights it is God’s work in them to do this. Highlighting they are working together with God for their own salvation.
Saved in the end – FUTURE TENSE
10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Cor 3:10–15)
Each person’s work will be tested. Paul encourages his audience to build up the church using ‘gold, silver and precious stones’. When their work is tested they will receive a reward. If their work was made up of ‘wood, hay and straw’ – combustible materials, and is burnt up when tested they will be saved, just. The passage suggests all God’s people will receive eternal life, but their will be differences in the rewards they are given.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely SAVED, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (1 Pet 4:12-18)
The passage says judgment begins with the ‘household of God’. This is how Peter accounts for their suffering. The righteous (‘household of God’, who judgment begins with) are scarcely saved. This points to a future time when they have survived the judgment and have not been killed by their persecutors and see Christ’s glory (v13). However Peter believes it will be worse for those who ‘do not obey the gospel of God’. The ungodly and the sinners have a worse fate.
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit SALVATION? (Heb 1:14)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a SALVATION ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the SALVATION of your souls. (1 Pet 1:3–9)
Both passages anticipate the coming salvation. In the first it says salvation is ‘inherited’. The second says it will be revealed in the future and it is their souls which are saved.
Saved from wrath (Rom 5.9; 1 Thes 1.9-10; 5.8-9)
9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be SAVED by him from the wrath of God. (Rom 5:9)
9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who DELIVERS us from the wrath to come. (1 Thes 1:9–10)
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of SALVATION. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain SALVATION through our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Thes 5:8-9)
The passages highlight believers will be saved from the wrath which God will deal out in the future. In the first verse Paul says the believers have been justified (made righteous) by Christ’s blood. Because of this he assures them they are much more likely to be saved from the coming wrath. The last passage highlights God’s sovereign control of all things. God has not ‘destined’ Paul and the Thessalonians for wrath.
Quite a number of passages refer to God’s wrath in the New Testament. Wrath is a present reality that reveals itself by an increased level of sin and punishment (Rom 1.18f; 4.15; 9.22; 12.19; 13.4-5; 1 Thes 2.16). Paul says the Ephesians ‘were by nature children of wrath’ (Eph 2.3). He will call others ‘sons of disobedience’ also in connection with wrath (Eph 5.6). When people are initially saved, they are saved from these expressions of God’s wrath.
Wrath is also a future reality (e.g. Lk 21.23; Jn 3.36; Rom 2.5,8; Col 3.6). God will punish all wrongdoing. John the baptist and Jesus urge people to remove sin from their lives as a means of escaping judgment (Lk 3.7-14 ‘what shall we do?’; Mk 9.43-48 ‘cut it off’).
Salvation is near (Rom 13.11)
11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For SALVATION is nearer to us now than when we first believed. (Rom 13:11)
In this passage Paul says future salvation is near. The apostles did say things which suggest they believed Jesus would return soon (1 Cor 1.31; 1 Pet 4.7; 1 Jn 2.17).
Instruments of Salvation
The New Testament describes several instruments which are used to save people.
Jesus saves (Lk 19.10; Jn 3.17; 12.47; 1 Tim 1.15; Rom 5.10; Heb 2.10; 5.9; 7.25; 9.28; Jas 4.12)
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to SAVE the lost.” (Lk 19:10)
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be SAVED through him. (Jn 3:17)
47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to SAVE the world. (Jn 12.47)
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to SAVE sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Tim 1.15)
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be SAVED by his life. (Rom 5:10)
10 For it was fitting that he [Jesus], for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their SALVATION perfect through suffering. (Heb 2:10)
9 And being made perfect, he [Jesus] became the source of eternal SALVATION to all who obey him, (Heb 5:9)
25 Consequently, he [Jesus] is able to SAVE to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Heb 7:25)
28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to SAVE those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Heb 9:28)
12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to SAVE and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (Jas 4:12)
The New Testament is clear that Jesus saves people.
The Gospel saves (Lk 8.12; Acts 13.26; 16.17; 28.28; Rom 1.16; Eph 1.13; 6.17; Jas 1.21)
12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be SAVED. (Lk 8:12)
26 “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this SALVATION. (Acts 13:26)
17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of SALVATION.” (Acts 16:17)
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this SALVATION of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” (Acts 28:28)
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. (Rom 1:16)
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your SALVATION, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, (Eph 1:13)
17 and take the helmet of SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (Eph 6:17)
21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to SAVE your souls. (Jas 1:21)
Each of these passages refers to the gospel. The gospel saves people and people are involved in it’s ministry.
People saving others (Jn 5.34; Acts 13.47; Rom 11.11-14; 1 Cor 1.21; 7.16; 9.22; 10.33; 2 Cor 1.6; 1 Thes 2.16; Jas 5.15,20; Jude 1.23)
34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be SAVED. (Jn 5:34)
47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring SALVATION to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 13:47)
11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass SALVATION has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! 13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus SAVE some of them. (Rom 11:11-14)
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to SAVE those who believe. (1 Cor 1:21)
16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will SAVE your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will SAVE your wife? (1 Cor 7:16)
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might SAVE some. (1 Cor 9:22)
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be SAVED. (1 Cor 10:33)
6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and SALVATION; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. (2 Cor 1:6)
16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be SAVED—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last! (1 Thes 2:16)
15 And the prayer of faith will SAVE the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (Jas 5:15)
20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will SAVE his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (Jas 5:20)
23 SAVE others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. (Jude 1:23)
Each of these refers directly or indirectly to gospel ministry. Bear in mind sometimes people’s behaviour is the primary influence, but the gospel itself is always necessary and sufficient. We can now join the first three instruments together.
People in gospel ministry – share the gospel (Word) – which connects people to Jesus (via the Spirit) – who saves.
People saving themselves (Rom 10.9-10; Jas 2.14; 1 Cor 5.5; 2 Cor 7.10; 2 Thes 2.10; 1 Tim 4.13-16; 2 Tim 3.15-17)
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. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is SAVED. (Rom 10:9-10)
Paul puts a lot of emphasis on people’s faith and confession (Rom 10.9-10). With the mouth one confesses and is saved (cf. Mt 12.36-37).
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith SAVE him? (Jas 2:14)
James adds to that, arguing a faith that is alone cannot save. What counts is a working faith (Gal 5.6).
5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be SAVED in the day of the Lord. (1 Cor 5:5)
10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to SALVATION without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. (2 Cor 7:10)
In 1 Cor 5.5 Paul kicks out the sinner in the hope the discipline will bring him to repentance and so he will be saved. The similar concept related to repentance is expressed in 2 Cor 7.10.
10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be SAVED. (2 Thes 2:10)
Word and Spirit word together to bring a person to faith. But when people refuse to believe the gospel, Paul says they are not saved because of their rejection.
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will SAVE both yourself and your hearers. (1 Tim 4:13-16)
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for SALVATION through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:15-17)
Paul says regular devotion to the scriptures is instrumental in a person’s salvation.
Salvation and Grace (Tit 2.11; 1 Pet 1.8-10; Eph 2.5-8; 2 Tim 1.9; Acts 15.1-11)
The concepts of salvation and grace are tied together explicitly in a number of passages.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing SALVATION for all people, (Tit 2:11)
The grace has appeared. Paul refers to the person of Jesus and the gospel (his birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection and appearances). This is the grace of God that has appeared which brings salvation for all (Jews and Gentiles).
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this SALVATION, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, (1 Pet 1:8-10)
The ‘grace’ Peter speaks about was something the prophets spoke about in advance. They predicted the coming of the Christ, his death and resurrection. Like Tit 2.11 above, they refer to Jesus’ coming as grace from God (cf. Jn 1.14,16) and his coming brings salvation.
5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been SAVED 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been SAVED through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Eph 2:5–8)
9 who SAVED us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, (2 Tim 1:9)
When people initially come to faith, it is an act of sheer grace apart from any ‘works’ of the person. In Ephesians Paul has in mind ceremonial works (circumcision, law of Moses; Eph 2.11f). In 2 Timothy Paul is broader and seems to rule out any works, those in the law of Moses or good works.
1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be SAVED.”
2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”
6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
11 But we believe that we [Jews] will be SAVED through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they [Gentiles] will.” (Acts 15:1-11)
The passage refers to circumcision (v1,5) and committing oneself to the law of Moses (v5). This is what Gentile converts to Judaism had to do to become Jews.
The passage also refers to the conversion of the Gentiles via Paul’s gospel ministry and when Peter first shared the gospel in Acts 10.
In both cases people are speaking about what needs to be done to bring people into the Christian faith.
When Peter speaks about being saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus he is speaking about people coming to faith through the gospel (grace of the Lord Jesus as above). This same gospel saves both Jews and Gentiles.
Salvation in Christ (Lk 1.67-70; 2.25-32; 3.2-6; Jn 4.22; Acts 4.12; 2 Tim 2.10; Rev 7.10; 19.1)
67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of SALVATION for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, … (Lk 1:67–70)
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your SALVATION 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Lk 2:25–32)
2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6 and all flesh shall see the SALVATION of God.’ ” (Lk 3:2–6)
Each of these passages refer to Jesus as personifying the salvation of God.
22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for SALVATION is from the Jews. (Jn 4:22)
The Old Testament prophecies predicted people would be saved through the line of Judah. Jesus refers to himself.
12 And there is SALVATION in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be SAVED.” (Acts 4:12)
In defense of their gospel ministry, Peter announces the exclusiveness of salvation under the name [therefore his authority] of Christ (cf. Acts 2.38; 3.6,16; 4.7,10,17-18,30; 5.28,40,41; 8.12,16; 9.15-16,21,27-28; 10.43,48; 15.17,26; 16.18; 19.5,13,17; 21.13; 22.16; 26.9; Rom 1.5; 10.13; 15.20; etc etc).
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the SALVATION that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (2 Tim 2:10)
Likewise Paul makes a similar point. Salvation is in Christ Jesus.
10 and crying out with a loud voice, “SALVATION belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev 7:10)
19 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! SALVATION and glory and power belong to our God, (Rev 19:1)
Salvation is also connected to God. So the references to Salvation in Christ and God are connected. This implies a trinitarian economy of salvation.
Number of people saved (Lk 13.23; Rom 9.27; 10.1; 11.26)
23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are SAVED be few?” And he said to them, (Lk 13:23)
27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be SAVED, (Rom 9:27)
1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be SAVED. (Rom 10:1)
The following passages suggest only some will be saved. This works two ways combatting universalism. Not all will be saved. Not all will be punished.
26 And in this way all Israel will be SAVED, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; (Rom 11:26)
Paul says ‘all Israel will be saved’. But what does he mean by ‘all’ and what does he mean by ‘Israel’? It’s a controversial verse. I can’t give a detailed opinion of it here.
Signs of Salvation (Php 1.27-30)
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your SALVATION, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Php 1:27–30)
A sign of a churches salvation is their united stand in the faith of the gospel while under persecution.
General Sense (2 Cor 6.2; Heb 2.3; 6.9; 2 Pet 3.15)
2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of SALVATION I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of SALVATION. (2 Cor 6:2)
The day of salvation for some is when they come to faith and repentance.
3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great SALVATION? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, (Heb 2:3)
9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to SALVATION. (Heb 6:9)
The Hebrews through ongoing sin are in danger of losing their salvation. The author says a few things to encourage them to see the superiority of Christ (which ‘belong to salvation’) and not turn back to the law of Moses.
15 And count the patience of our Lord as SALVATION, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, (2 Pet 3:15)
The patience of God in not punishing the world too soon is giving people opportunity to repent and be saved.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2015. All Rights Reserved.
