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SALVATION

In the letter to the Romans we find the apostle Paul's clearest and most detailed explanation of the gospel message. After his customary salutation, Paul explains his unabashed passion for taking the Good News of Christ to the ends of the earth: "It is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). The Greek word for salvation used by Paul literally means "deliverance" or "preservation." In a spiritual context, the idea is rescue from the power rooted in its power "to free" or "to rescue" people from the tragic consequences of their own sin.

Paul and the other New Testament writers portray Jesus Christ, on the basis of His sacrificial death on the Cross in the place of sinners, as the Author and Provider of salvation (see 3:24,25; 5:21; Acts 4:12; Heb. 12:2). This spiritual deliverance is graciously and lovingly offered by God to all people, but only those who repent and trust in Jesus will experience its blessings (see John 3:16; Eph. 2:8,9; Heb. 2:3).

What exactly are those blessings? Some Bible teachers summarize them as salvation from penalty of sin, salvation from the power of sin, and salvation from the presence of sin. Theologians use the terms justification, sanctification, and glorification. Justification is the divine act of declaring sinners to be righteous on account of their faith in Jesus. He paid for their sins completely and finally on the Cross, and through faith in Him their sins can be forgiven (see 3:21; 4:5; 5:1). Closely related to justification is regeneration, in which the Spirit of God indwells a repentant sinner and imparts eternal life to his or her spiritually dead soul (see Eph. 2:1-5). Sanctification is the process in which God develops the new life of the believer and gradually brings it to perfection (see 6:11; Phil. 1:6). Glorification is the ultimate salvation of the whole person. This occurs when we are face to face with our Savior in His coming kingdom. At the time, God will completely mold us into the image of Christ (see 8:29, 30; Phil. 3:21). Then we will be able to enjoy complete fellowship with God, singing His praises forever.

Other benefits of salvation include reconciliation and adoption. When our sins are forgiven, we move from a position of being God's enemies to being His beloved children (see John 1:12; Gal. 4:4, 5; Eph. 1:5).

Is it any wonder that the apostle Paul was so excited about the gospel and its power to save? The more we consider the marvelous truth of salvation, the more enthusiastic we will be, thankful to God and eager to share with others the hope that is in us (see 1Pet. 3:15).