Salvation

Salvation seems to be a passionate topic for so many and the camps seem to strengthen themselves around two positions that are extremes: one being of eternal security, and the other of condemnation and hell over even one sin. There is truth in extremes and certainly we can't wake up one morning, sin, and be condemned to hell, however the other extreme that a believer is eternally secure negates all the truth about sin and what it does to the human being. But we must never lose the truth of God's sovereignty that may be the basis of the eternal security fear. Let's look at these positions, and more importantly see what the Holy Scriptures have to say about this critical topic.

Paul called salvation a race when talking about our lives in Christ and as runner we needed to keep our lives in shape submitting to the Lord and His Word (1Cor 9). I have seen what Paul stated to be true, yet I wanted confirmation elsewhere in the Scriptures, and I hope that looking a little more into the Scriptures and the idea of salvation will bear this out and confirm that indeed, salvation is the prize at the end of the race whereas deliverance and rescue are the miraculous that the Lord does and grants as His side of the covenant with a new creature in Christ. We have not been created for eternity as our need for a glorified body proves out. Clearly, Adam would have lived forever had he not sinned and handed the title deed to the Garden of Eden and the whole world over to the devil.

Paul told Timothy the importance of salvation, but he stated it from a perspective of persecution's confirmation of its importance. 1Tim 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. Paul labored in the gospel and he suffered because of his preaching and teaching of the gospel because he simply taught people to trust in God. Paul makes clear to Timothy that he made known that God is Savior of all men, there is no other Savior but God, and those who believe are the ones who are saved.

4991 swthria soteria so-tay-ree'-ah

feminine of a derivative of 4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; TDNT-7:965,1132; n f

AV-salvation 40, the (one) be saved 1, deliver + 1325 1, health 1, saving 1, that (one) be saved + 1519 1; 45

1) deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation
    1a) deliverance from the molestation of enemies
    1b) in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the souls safety or salvation
      1b1) of Messianic salvation
2) salvation as the present possession of all true Christians
3) future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God.

What is salvation? In one usage, it is merely the redemptive act of the Lord Yashua as He puts on flesh for atonement and counts or accounts to us His righteousness. Salvation is garnered or applied by faith in Him and not by works. Faith through grace allows His blood to wash a person clean and saves them from sin's eternal punishment. When seeing salvation in the Scriptures, we see the difference in words as it is possible to take the neuter form and in those 5 sentences substitute the name, Yashua in its place. Jesus is our SALVATION! However salvation is also the clearing away of the problem, the saving from an oncoming car or the standing in place of one's punishment, but let's take a look at some usages of the word, salvation. Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

 We see Paul talks about it as a helmet to be worn, as a thing that approaches believers in proximity as time continues, and John relates salvation to the kingdom of God as the devil is banned from access as accuser of the brethren to God, and is cast down into the earth. As a helmet, can one take it off? Does a believer have salvation if it is something that approaches the longer we believe? If salvation isn't declared until the devil is cast out of access to God, then how can someone have salvation now? I realize these questions lead to asking more questions which is exactly my intent. We must ask questions to search out what we believe and test it to see if we are interpreting Scripture in view of our feelings or whether we are allowing context to reveal the exegetical truth.

Luke 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Acts 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

4992 swthrion soterion so-tay'-ree-on

neuter of the same as 4991 as (properly, concretely) noun; TDNT-7:1021,1132; adj

AV-salvation 4, that brings salvation 1; 5
    1) saving, bringing salvation
    2) he who embodies this salvation, or through whom God is about to achieve it
    3) the hope of (future) salvation
Salvation is more than one Greek word and understanding the difference may help a little. The technical word, swthrion-soterion, appears just 5 times in Scripture. Seminaries discuss the topic called soteriology which is from this Greek word. This is a specific word declaring what Christ will do in the future, rescue, deliver, make safe, liberate, loose, and preserve. This is the word used when talking about Christian salvation. It is much different than the generic word, swthria-soteria which is used 45 times and is all inclusive in meaning. The second word, swthria-soteria, signifies forgiveness, healing, prosperity, deliverance, safety, rescue, liberation, and restoration and ingeneral what Christ has done in the past and is doing in the present.

Let's look at what Mr. Finney says about Adam and his salvation. It may have been, that if he had obeyed always, the natural influence of his example would have brought about such a state of things, that as a master of fact all his posterity would have continued in holiness. But the salvation of each individual would still have depended on his own works. But if the works of the first father were to be so set to the account of the race, that on account of his obedience they were to be secured in holiness and happiness forever, I do not see wherein it differs materially from the covenant of grace, or the gospel.

Now we know in Scripture that there is a new covenant in which we have salvation through grace, so that as Adam was the head of humanity, in the new covenant Jesus is the head. Mr. Finney says these things. "Then was revealed the plan, which had been provided in the counsels of eternity, on foresight of this event, for saving mankind by a proceeding of mere grace. Salvation was now placed on an entire new foundation, by a Covenant of Redemption. You will find this covenant in the 89th Psalm, and other places in the Old Testament. This, you will observe, is a covenant between the Father and the Son, regarding the salvation of mankind, and is the foundation of another covenant, the covenant of grace. In the covenant of redemption, man is no party at all, but merely the subject of the covenant; the parties being God the Father and the Son. In this covenant, the Son is made the head or representative of his people. Adam was the natural head of the human family, and Christ is the covenant head of his church." Man's choices are two, accept the call to repentance by faith and allow the Lord to be Salvation in the new covenant or reject Him as Salvation.

It becomes vital that we attempt to understand what salvation word is used as we see the importance of eternal life. Remember what Paul told Timothy. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. How do we understand what the difference is with these words? If you look at the definitions the neuter noun shows what Jesus will do for the Christian, the believer, the second word is what He does when asked to do things. The difference in usage is similar in the difference in usage of death. We have two deaths, the first is the physical and the second the spiritual, yet we may be alive walking and talking on this earth and be spiritually dead, yet the sentence for death is the lake of fire at the white throne judgment. As someone who is spiritually dead, I could be walking across the street when someone sees a car coming at me and pushes me aside and "saves" my physical life. Howbeit, my spiritual body is still unsaved. Let's look at some usages of the feminine noun in Scripture.

Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
Luke 1:71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
John 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 7:25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

 Are you seeing what the Scriptures are saying and the usage of the feminine form? So far each usage treats the word as something of a rescue, a deliverance, prosperity. It is used much differently from the neuter form that occurs only 5 times! There's a hidden understanding that is beginning to be shown about salvation as it isn't what the OSAS (once saved always saved) group claim it is. Think about how many times the children of Israel were saved in the 40 years of rebellion, yet they died in the wilderness who were under 40 and their children with Joshua and Caleb would be the only ones to enter the Promised Land. If they were continually being saved, how can one think that salvation is eternal for the human being?

Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Acts 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation .
Acts 27:34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
2 Corinthians 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Have you noticed how many of those eternally secure verses are in the generic word usage list?

Characteristics:
    1) we are light and salvation to the earth
    2) demons and demon possessed understand salvation and deliverance
    3) used as physical health
    4) it is the power of God's Word brings truth into a lost soul
    5) confession brings salvation
    6) falling allowed salvation to others opening the door with the emotion of jealousy
    7) after each passing moment salvation comes closer
    8) the messenger's trials and afflictions bring salvation to others
    9) repentance also brings salvation and deliverance
    10) trusting the truth and believing it brings the good news of deliverance and salvation
    11) prayer brings deliverance and salvation
    12) salvation and deliverance is two sided for us salvation for unbelievers judgment
    13) doing what the Word would have us will bring us the salvation and deliverance of the Lord

Those people who teach an easy believism gospel where they are asked if they believe Jesus is the Son of God and if He rose from the dead, use these verses and they are not talking about Christian salvation at all, but deliverance from a problem or a people attacking. Paul even talks about himself needing salvation, but wait a minute, I thought Paul was "saved" on the Damascus road?? Why would Paul need to be saved if he is already saved? The problem is confusing the two words! Unless one does a word study and looks at the contexts of each usage, this will not be evident to all to see. swthrion/soterion is eternal and very secure whereas swthria/soteria is temporary and implies more so deliverance and rescue. Only true repentance which is of faith alone allows the Lord to atone for us and release salvation into our lives. Again let's take a look at what Mr.Finney says about repentance. The change of feeling respects sin in all these particulars, its nature, its relations, its tendencies, and its deserts. The individual who truly repents, not only sees sin to be detestable and vile, and worthy of abhorrence, but he really abhors it, and hates it in his heart. A person may see sin to be hurtful and abominable, while yet his heart loves it, and desires it, and clings to it. But when he truly repents, he most heartily abhors and renounces it.

Now consider the usage once again of the neuter noun<4992>. It is found just 5 times and these are the verses that it is used. Nothing in the usage suggests anything personal in the way of salvation, and they all point to specifically Jesus as our SALVATION. The one exception is Ephesians 6:17 where we see the helmet that can be put on and taken off.

Luke 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Acts 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Now consider again the usage in comparison with what we have already seen in these words. It is God's grace and love of His creation that sent His Son to die a cruel death on Calvary; Simeon saw the Salvation, John the Baptist told of the Salvation of all flesh, Paul said the Salvation will now go to the Gentiles and that believers should wear Him as a helmet. There is truly a great difference in the usage of these words so much so that it is astounding to me as I see so much more! Yashua haMashiach is our Salvation and when He brings to His creation salvation it comes in the form of deliverance, rescue, prosperity, "saving" from sin and eternal judgment. Our Salvation is the Author of eternal salvation for all who repent, and given at His second advent, His parousia. swthrion-soterion and swthria-soteria are clearly two different words meaning two different things despite having the same English word for a translation.

Let's take a look at the progression of the root word and perhaps as we see it develop into other words.

4982 swzw sozo sode'-zo

from a primary sos (contraction for obsolete saos, "safe"); TDNT-7:965,1132; v

AV-save 93, make whole 9, heal 3, be whole 2, misc 3; 110

1) to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
    1a) one (from injury or peril)
      1a1) to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health
      1b1) to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue
    1b) to save in the technical biblical sense
      1b1) negatively
        1b1a) to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment 1b1b) to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance
4990 swthr soter so-tare'

from 4982; TDNT-7:1003,1132; n m

AV-Saviour 24; 24

1) saviour, deliverer, preserver

The name was given by the ancients to deities, esp. tutelary deities, to princes, kings, and in general to men who had conferred signal benefits upon their country, and in more degenerate days by the way of flattery to personages of influence

When we add to these words the two for salvation we can see the integrity of the root words and how it is used throughout Scripture. Now with these words in mind, we are then able to pick up the usage in each sentence they are used. This in itself reveals more about salvation than any other point. Tragically we still have those who are sure that eternal security is correct, and do much harm to the word and to truths about God's Word.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Notice that Paul tells the Thessalonians about the hope of salvation and reveals the deliverance from God's wrath for the believer and has chosen His creation to be delivered from evils and sin and disease by His blood and the work daily of His Holy Spirit as sin is revealed and He cleanses us from the death within it. Faith and belief and trust in Him and His blood will bring daily deliverance. Consider the simplicity of what the Word is saying. If I don't do a sin, then the chances of me contracting that disease associated with that sin are slim. If a teen abstains from sex until the marriage bed, that person will reduce the possibilities of disease not to mention the possibility of pregnancy. A condom isn't necessary because there is no sin of premarital sex.

Let's take notice of one detail that does appear to be significant. 2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. Notice that promised salvation is apart from eternity or eternal glory. I was astonished that it is so clear that there is a separation between salvation and eternity, yet when we read the verse in context it is about eternity, rightly dividing the Word, and avoiding false doctrine about the resurrection which some have taught and shot down their own, and it specifically shows salvation at the resurrection and the elect receive it and have the glory of eternity with it. It is not only false to teach the resurrection has passed, but it is also false to teach that one's salvation has already started. Salvation doesn't start until one is either dead or is raptured.

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Hebrews 6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

The writer of Hebrews uses the word swthria/soteria in each of these verses showing the consistency of usage as deliverance. Again what is clearly confirmation is the usage in Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Notice that eternal salvation is ONLY for those who obey Him. Now we also see the separation of salvation and eternal as OSAS attempts to make it in Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Now what should be obvious is not so obvious to thos who want the truth to remain clouded so they may keep their failed heresy. Let's ask the obvious question. When does Jesus return or what does the writer mean by His appearance the second time? Well what should be seen clearly is clouded by bias and prejudice and pride not wanting to have anything to do with the truth. Final deliverance and eternal salvation does not come until Jesus returns with His rewards to be passed out to those who believe, those who obeyed Him, His Word.

1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Revelation 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Revelation 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

I realize that I haven't delved into great detail and have attempted to let the Word say what it say, but I also can see the way we can far too easily mix the usages since the neuter and the feminine words can almost appear to mean the same unless we look closely at the definition and read it into the context. Sometimes the context doesn't give us enough information to see the subtle differences, yet they are nonetheless there.