The doctrine of Soteriology, or salvation, is rooted in the consequences of Adam’s sin and God’s redemptive response. Adam’s disobedience introduced spiritual and physical death into the world, necessitating a plan of salvation. This foundational concept is established in Genesis 3:15, where God promises a Redeemer who will overcome sin and death, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.

In the Old Testament, salvation was attained through faith, as demonstrated by Abraham’s belief in God. Old Testament saints were saved by trusting in God’s future promise of redemption through the Messiah. This salvation, granted “on credit,” highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this promise, with faith in Him being the means of salvation.

The concept of salvation carries a rich meaning throughout the Bible, encompassing past, present, and future dimensions. In the past, believers are saved from the penalty of sin through Christ’s atoning death. In the present, salvation involves deliverance from the power of sin, requiring continuous surrender to Christ. The future aspect of salvation anticipates the final deliverance from the presence of sin, when believers will receive glorified bodies.

The urgency of accepting salvation is emphasized throughout Scripture. Delaying salvation is presented as a rejection of God’s grace, leading to missed opportunities, increased judgment, and hardening of the heart. Biblical theology underscores the comprehensive nature of salvation, addressing the totality of human existence and God’s overarching plan to redeem His creation.

Salvation and redemption are two central themes in Christian theology. They are intricately linked, representing God’s plan to restore humanity to Himself and provide eternal life. Understanding their foundation and necessity requires a deep dive into Scripture.

1. The Foundation of Salvation

Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, achieved through the work of Jesus Christ. The foundation of salvation rests on God’s love, grace, and the sacrifice of Christ.

1. God’s Love and Grace

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
  This verse shows that salvation is motivated by God’s love for humanity. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as the means of salvation.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something we can earn. It is granted to those who believe in Jesus Christ.

1. The Work of Christ

• Romans 5:8 – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
  Christ’s death on the cross is the foundation of salvation. Jesus died in our place to reconcile us to God.
• 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.”
  Through Christ’s atoning death, we are brought into a restored relationship with God.

1. Faith in Jesus

• John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
  Faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior is essential for salvation. There is no other way to be reconciled to God.
• Acts 16:31 – “And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'”
  Belief in Christ is the means by which salvation is received. Faith in Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection is central to the salvation experience.

2. The Necessity of Redemption

Redemption refers to the act of being bought back or freed from slavery to sin. It emphasizes the need for deliverance because of the fallen state of humanity due to sin.

1. Humanity’s Fallen Condition

• Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
  All people are born into sin and separated from God, and this sin leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from God unless redemption occurs.
• Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.”
  Sin creates a barrier between humanity and God, making redemption necessary to restore that broken relationship.

1. The Consequences of Sin

• Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  Sin leads to death, both physical and spiritual. Redemption is necessary to escape this eternal consequence and receive eternal life.
• Ephesians 2:1-3 – “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked… and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”
  Before redemption, humanity is spiritually dead and under the wrath of God. Without redemption, there is no hope of restoration.

1. God’s Plan of Redemption

• Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
  The redemption of humanity comes through the blood of Jesus Christ, which forgives sins and cleanses believers.
• Colossians 1:13-14 – “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
  Redemption involves being freed from the power of sin and being transferred into the kingdom of Christ, where forgiveness and eternal life are found.

1. Jesus as the Redeemer

• Galatians 4:4-5 – “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
  Jesus Christ was sent to redeem us from the law and sin, offering adoption as children of God.
• Titus 2:14 – “Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
  Christ’s redemptive work purifies believers and sets them apart for God’s purposes.

Salvation and redemption are essential aspects of the Christian faith. The foundation of salvation is rooted in God’s love, grace, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Redemption is necessary because of humanity’s sin and separation from God. Through Christ’s redemptive work, believers are reconciled to God and granted eternal life. Faith in Jesus Christ is the means through which this salvation and redemption are received.

The Bible teaches that salvation and redemption are available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, emphasizing both the necessity of redemption and the foundation of salvation in God’s grace.