What Does Salvation Through Jesus Christ Mean?

Salvation through Jesus Christ is at the heart of Christian theology—of One New Man (see Ephesians 2:14-15). Biblical salvation speaks of God’s deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences, which is eternal separation from God (see Hebrews 9:27, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). 

Rooted in Scripture, the realization of our need for salvation emerges from biblical truths that highlight our shortcomings in light of a Holy God, His divine grace, and the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. 

In short, the question, “What does salvation through Jesus Christ mean?” is answered with these words…

  • Forgiven—Receiving a pardon for all sin, iniquity, and transgression.
  • Deliverance—Free from the things that bind you. 
  • Victory—Triumph over the works of the enemy.
  • Redemption—Bought back by the Father and purchased by the blood of Jesus. 
  • Restoration—Brought back to wholeness what was once broken.
  • Reconciliation—Covering transgressions by a perfect sacrifice, bringing broken relationships into a peaceful restoration between us, God, and others. 
  • Purification/Sanctification/Holiness—Causing something unclean to become clean and pure, then set apart for God’s perfect purposes.
  • Blessed—To be favored, beautified, and spoken well of.  

And so much more! 

See the Salvation of the Lord

Exodus 14:13-14 says…

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (emphasis added)

To “not be afraid” is to “not fear” or come into agreement with the fearful situation pressing in. It doesn’t mean fear doesn’t exist—the absence of fearful situations or circumstances isn’t the goal. Instead, it is the courage to come into agreement with God’s promises in the presence of fear. 

Fear is from the enemy, and this type of “not fearing” is reflected in Psalm 23:5…

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” (emphases added)

Salvation through Jesus Christ means you focus on the feast the Lord has set before you, the abundant blessings and good things He has done and is doing, even when your enemy surrounds you. In this place at His table, in His presence, you receive an anointing oil, the Holy Spirit’s power, protection, and abundance. Your cup runs over with joy and peace, turning the enemy back on himself. 

The words “salvation of the Lord” are translated into Hebrew as “Yeshua Adonai.” 

The Hebrew word for salvation is “Yeshua.” This is why Jesus was named Yeshua Ha’Mashaich, Jesus the Anointed One, Jesus the Messiah—our Savior!

Understanding Salvation | A Journey of Humility, Conviction, and Transformation

Salvation through Jesus Christ happens the moment you believe in your heart that He is who He said He is and will do what He says He will do, and put your faith in His atoning work to save you, not your efforts. 

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace that is available to everyone. People can receive salvation by repenting of their sins and accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Let’s explore the journey of faith and salvation through Jesus Christ… 

  1. Awareness of Sin

A fundamental step toward understanding salvation is recognizing our sinfulness. The Bible states in Romans 3:23, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”

Sin signifies any action, thought, or behavior that deviates or departs from God’s perfect standards. Sin is universal; no one is exempt. Acknowledging our natural bent toward sin, our Adamic nature (our fallen state) is crucial for realizing our dependence on God and salvation through Jesus Christ. It brings us humbly before the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. 

  1. Consequences of Sin

The Bible clearly states the consequences of sin in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Sin leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from God. However, there is hope. Through Jesus Christ, God offers eternal life as a gift. These opposing forces—death and life—reveal both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s mercy.

  1. God’s Standard of Holiness

Our efforts to achieve righteousness are insufficient before a holy God, according to Isaiah 64:6, But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

Even our best deeds cannot bridge the gap between humanity’s imperfection and Holy God’s immeasurable perfection. This revelation deepens our understanding of the need for Savior Jesus to reconcile us with God.

  1. Conviction by the Holy Spirit

It is the Holy Spirit who leads people to salvation through Jesus Christ. John 16:8 says,
“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment…”

The Holy Spirit convicts individuals of their sins, reveals the righteousness of Christ, and calls them to repentance. This divine work opens hearts to the Gospel, or Good News, and ignites the desire for salvation.

  1. The Gospel Message

The anchor of salvation lies in the good news of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 says,
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God’s love is manifest in Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. Through belief and faith in Him, we—born as sinners but born again of the Spirit (John 3:3)—receive forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

  1. Jesus’ Invitation

Jesus extends a personal call to all who are burdened by sin, according to Matthew 11:28-30,
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

This invitation promises rest and peace for those who accept Him—those who confess with their mouths and believe in their hears that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). Jesus’ humility and love starkly contrast the weight of sin and the futility of self-reliance.

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Key Aspects of Salvation

Salvation through Jesus Christ encompasses multiple dimensions of deliverance, transformation, and hope:

  • Justification: Being declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a one-time legal act where God forgives sins and imputes Christ’s righteousness to the believer.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

  • Redemption: Jesus paid the price to free humanity from sin’s bondage through His sacrifice.

Titus 3:5
“… not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit…”

  • Sanctification: The ongoing process of being made holy and conformed to the image of Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:18
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

  • Glorification: The future state where born-again Believers are fully transformed and live eternally in God’s presence.

Philippians 3:20-21
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” 

Justification: Declared Righteous by Faith

Justification speaks of God’s grace in declaring us righteous:

  • By grace: It is a gift from God, not based on human merit. Romans 3:24: “…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”
  • Through faith: Believers receive justification by trusting in Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. Romans 3:28: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.”
  • Imputed Righteousness: Christ’s righteousness is credited to the Believer. 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Sanctification: Growing in Holiness

Sanctification is the process of becoming more Christ-like:

  1. Divine work: Initiated and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 2 Thessalonians 2:13: “… God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth…”
  2. Alignment and covenant: Believers actively pursue spiritual growth by aligning their spirit with God’s and looking to deepen their covenant relationship. Philippians 2:12-13: “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
  3. Lifelong journey of covenant revelation: Sanctification continues throughout a Believer’s life as they grow in knowledge, awareness, faith, and love.

Practical Implications of Salvation

  1. Assurance of salvation: Salvation depends on Christ’s righteousness, not personal merit, offering security and peace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
  2. Humility and gratitude: Understanding salvation fosters humility and deep thankfulness for God’s grace (Matthew 23:12).
  3. Call to action: Faith is evidenced by good works and a transformed life (James 2:17).
  4. Fellowship and worship: Salvation unites believers into a spiritual family, inspiring worship and unity (Psalm 133:1).

Conclusion

Salvation is the divine gift of deliverance from sin, rooted in God’s grace and accomplished through Jesus Christ. From justification to sanctification and ultimately glorification, it encompasses every stage of a born-again Believer’s journey: Recognizing our sinfulness, understanding the good news of the Gospel, and responding to Jesus’ invitation which leads to a life transformed by His love and power.

Salvation is not merely a theological concept; it is an invitation to experience the Father-heart of God, to know His grace, find rest for the soul, and live in eternal communion with Him. Through faith in Jesus Christ, the promise of salvation becomes a reality.