What is Salvation?

Hey everyone! I’m so glad you’re here today. I’m really excited about our time together as we continue our journey on the “Road to Redemption.” Today, we’re diving into one of the most important topics in our series: What is Salvation?

Now, I know “salvation” is a word we hear often in church. It’s a central part of our faith, but sometimes it can feel like this big, mysterious concept. What does it really mean? And why is it so important for us?

Well, that’s what we’re going to explore together today. But before we get started, I want you to take a moment and think about what salvation means to you personally. Go ahead—use the worksheet you have, or just think about it.

How would you define salvation in your own words?

Alright, now that you’ve had a moment to reflect, let’s talk about what salvation really is. At its core, salvation is about deliverance—deliverance from sin and its consequences. But it’s not just a one-time event; it’s ongoing, a relationship that starts with God and transforms every aspect of your life.

Let’s break it down. Salvation has three key aspects that I want us to focus on today:

First, **salvation is about being released from the penalty of sin.** What does that mean? Well, sin separates us from God—it’s like this giant wall that keeps us apart. But through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, that wall comes crashing down. We’re forgiven, and the penalty of sin is taken away. That’s pretty amazing, right? In Colossians, Paul talks about how we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins. Here are two passages to consider:

Colossians 1:14 says: In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 2:13-14: And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.

Second, **salvation gives us freedom from the power of sin.** This is where it gets really practical. You are not just forgiven; you are also given the power to overcome sin in your daily life. Romans 8:13 says that by the Spirit, we can put to death the misdeeds of the body. That’s some serious empowerment. But it’s not something we do on our own—God’s Spirit is with us, helping us every step of the way.

And third, **salvation brings us into a relationship with God.** This is where it all comes together. Salvation isn’t just about being saved from something; it’s about being saved for something—for a relationship with the God who loves you more than you can imagine. Through Christ, we’re adopted into God’s family. Ephesians 1:5 tells us that God predestined us to be adopted as His sons and daughters. That means you and I are not just random people in this world—we’re part of God’s family!

Your salvation brings some amazing benefits! In it, you find fellowship. I believe the yearning for God has been built into us. Through our salvation, the Spirit opens the avenue of our much needed fellowship with God. Salvation also brings resources. God has promised to supply our every spiritual need. And finally, salvation brings wisdom. If we lack wisdom we can ask and know we will receive an answer in abundance.

James 1:5 says: Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.

So, let’s make this personal. What does it mean for you to be part of God’s family? How does it change the way you see yourself? Think about it—being adopted by God means that you are loved, valued, and have a purpose. It means you’re not alone in this life. You’ve got a Heavenly Father who’s with you, cheering you on, guiding you, and helping you navigate all the ups and downs.

Now, I want to hear from you. How does knowing you’re adopted into God’s family make you feel? How does it shape the way you approach challenges in your life? Go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments, or if you’re watching this in a group, take a moment to discuss it with the people around you.

Let’s keep going. I want to talk about Jesus for a moment. Jesus isn’t just our Savior; He’s also our mediator. And here’s why that’s important: sin created a gap between us and God. We needed someone who could bridge that gap, someone who could understand both sides. Jesus is that someone—He’s fully God and fully man. He gets us. He understands our struggles, our fears, our doubts. And because He’s also fully God, He has the power to save us.

Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

He is the perfect Savior. He’s qualified to stand in the gap for us, to take on the penalty of our sins, and to offer us new life.

Let’s take a moment to really let that sink in. Jesus, the Son of God, chose to come down and walk in our shoes. He chose to experience the pain and the brokenness of this world so that He could save us. What does that mean to you? How does knowing that Jesus understands your struggles change the way you relate to Him?

Now, I know we’ve talked a lot about what Jesus has done for us, but I want to make sure we don’t miss this: salvation isn’t something we can earn. It’s a gift.

Colossians 2:12 says: when you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

God is the one who performs the action of salvation. With the same power he raised Jesus from the dead – he raised your soul to life in baptism. And the fantastic thing is that when we want to be saved, we don’t have to be perfect or have it all together. What we need is faith—trust in Jesus and what He will do for us.

But that faith isn’t passive. It’s something that moves us to action. The conditions of salvation do not save us; instead, they are the means through which we appropriate or access the saving power of Christ's blood.

Grace is the basis of our salvation.

Let’s look again at Romans 3: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed.

We receive it by faith, a trust in the One who saves us (Ephesians 2:8). Faith is the dependence or reliance upon Christ crucified for salvation and accepting His atonement for our sins. It is not the actions that save us but faith in Christ's redemptive power (Romans 3:25).

Repentance is turning away from or repudiating sin and preparing our hearts for God's mercy.

In Acts 2:38 Peter said: “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is immersion in water, acting in conjunction with faith and repentance, for the remission of sin.

In Acts 22 Ananias told Saul: And now, why are you delaying? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

These are not arbitrary demands but natural responses to Christ's sacrifice. By the cross, Jesus obtained salvation for us, and faith, repentance, and baptism opened the way. Christ achieved salvation for us; we received it. Each condition directly expresses faith in Christ as our offering for sin.

How has your faith in Jesus impacted your life? Maybe you’ve already taken that step of baptism, or maybe you’re still thinking about it. Wherever you are in your spiritual life, know that Jesus is with you, guiding you every step of the way.

As we wrap up today, I want to leave you with this thought: salvation is a process. It’s not just a one-time event; it’s something we live out every day. It’s about embracing the forgiveness we have in Christ, pursuing a life that reflects His love and holiness, and living out the reality of being God’s beloved children.

Remember, you’re never alone. You’re part of God’s family, and He’s given you His Spirit to help you along the way. So, keep trusting in Jesus, keep leaning on Him, and keep growing in your faith.

Before we go, I’d love for you to think about one step you can take this week to deepen your trust in Jesus. Maybe it’s spending more time in prayer, reading Scripture, or simply reflecting on what it means to be adopted into God’s family. Whatever it is, take that step and see how God works in your life.

Thank you for spending this time with me. I’m looking forward to hearing about how you’re living out your salvation in the days to come. Stay strong, stay encouraged, and remember—you are loved more than you know. See you next time!