Six Bible Descriptions Of Salvation

Ephesians 2:8-9

Wherever salvation is spoken of in the Word of God, two things are emphatically asserted: (1) Salvation is by grace alone, and (2) Salvation is without works on our part. Take a few minutes to meditate upon this great subject - SALVATION. Ask God the Holy Spirit to direct your heart as you meditate on these six Bible descriptions of salvation.

The very first time the word salvation is used in the Word of God it is called "THY SALVATION" (Gen. 49:18). Whatever salvation is, it is God's. It is his work alone. It belongs to him. He gives it to whom he will. This is the universal message of Holy Scripture, "Salvation is of the Lord!" He planned it. He purchased it. He performs it. He preserves it. He perfects it. He shall have the praise for it.

Paul tells us that Christ is the author of "ETERNAL SALVATION" (Heb. 5:9). Though it was purchased at Calvary and is wrought in chosen sinners at God's appointed time of love, salvation is an eternal work of God. It was devised and secured to every chosen sinner in the covenant of grace before the world began (Rom. 8:29-30).

Jude calls it "THE COMMON SALVATION" (Jude 3), not common in the sense of ordinary and cheap, but common in the sense that it is the same wherever it is found. It is the same in the experience of all who are saved. Every true child of God has experienced the same salvation. All are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

In Philippians 2:12 it is called "YOUR OWN SALVATION". God devised it for you. Christ purchased it for you. The Holy Spirit brought it to you and wrought it in you. It is your personal possession forever! If you trust Christ all that is included in the word salvation belongs to you by the Grace of God.

In Hebrews 2:3 it is called "GREAT SALVATION". It is from a great God, for great sinners, through the great merits of a great Savior, flowing to us from a great reservoir of great grace, and secures for us a great inheritance in heaven.

Isaiah calls it "EVERLASTING SALVATION" (Isa. 45:17). If it is God's work, it is everlasting (Eccles. 3:14). Sinners saved by grace shall never perish. They are beyond the reach of condemnation, or even danger!

Don Fortner