Dictionary of Bible Themes ” 6000 Sin and salvation ” 6500 Salvation ” 6510 salvation ” 6512 salvation, necessity and basis of
Scripture stresses that fallen human beings are cut off from God on account of their sin. All need to be saved, if they are to enter into a new relationship with God as their Creator and Redeemer. Salvation is not the result of human achievement, privilege or wisdom, but depends totally upon the graciousness of a loving God, supremely expressed in the cross of Jesus Christ. People must respond in repentance and faith if they are to benefit from God’s offer of salvation in Christ.
The Necessity of Salvation
The universal rule of sin in human nature
Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:19-23; Romans 5:12-18; Romans 7:24; Ephesians 2:3
Sin cuts humanity off from God
Isaiah 59:1-2 See also Genesis 3:22-24; Ephesians 2:1-5; Ephesians 4:18
Sin enslaves humanity to evil
Jeremiah 13:23; Hosea 5:4; Zechariah 7:11-12; Romans 7:14-20; 2 Peter 2:13-19
Salvation is grounded in the love of God
Salvation is not based on human achievement
Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9 See also Acts 15:7-11; Romans 4:1-3; Romans 5:1-2; Galatians 2:16,21; 2 Timothy 1:9
Salvation is grounded in God’s love for his people
Ephesians 2:4-5 See also Deuteronomy 7:1-8; John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 1 John 4:9-19
Salvation is grounded in God’s grace
Romans 3:22-24 See also John 1:16; Acts 15:11; Romans 5:15-17; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Ephesians 1:5-8; Ephesians 2:4-10; 1 Timothy 1:14-15; Titus 2:11; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 2:9
Salvation and the work of Jesus Christ
Salvation is grounded in the work of Jesus Christ
Acts 5:30-31; 1 Timothy 1:15 See also John 4:42; Acts 4:10-12; Romans 5:9-10; Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:9-10; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 7:24-25; 1 John 4:14
Jesus Christ’s death was totally sufficient for salvation
1 Peter 3:18 See also John 17:1-4; Acts 4:10-12; Galatians 1:3-4; Ephesians 1:5-10; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 2 Timothy 1:9-10; Hebrews 10:10; 1 John 4:9-10; Revelation 7:9-10
Salvation demands a human decision
John 3:36; Acts 3:19 See also Mark 1:15; Luke 8:50; John 3:17-18; Acts 2:37-39; Hebrews 12:25; 1 Peter 2:4-8; 1 John 5:10