Salvation is deliverance from spiritual death and enslavement by sin.  God provides salvation for all who believe and accept His free offer of forgiveness.  Mankind’s only hope of redemption from the fallen sinful state is through the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son-blood that was shed as Jesus died on the cross.  (The account of the crucifixion of Jesus is recounted by four of His contemporaries: Matthew [chapter 27], Mark [chapter 15], Luke [chapter 23], and John [chapter 19]).

The Experience of Salvation

Salvation is received as a person (1) repents before God for one’s sins and sinful nature or inclinations, and (2) believes or has faith in the fact that the death and resurrection (supernatural restoration to life) of Jesus Christ removes and brings forgiveness for his sin.  In response to placing faith in God’s love and freely given salvation, one experiences the washing of regeneration (or spiritual rebirth), the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, and is declared righteous (right with God).  Regeneration, renewal, and justification (justified, or made right with God) are words describing what happens at salvation.  At the moment of salvation, a person becomes heir to God’s promised hope of eternal or everlasting life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11, 3:5-7).

The Evidence of Salvation

The inner evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Holy Spirit giving one the assurance that God has accepted them (Romans 8:16).  The outward evidence, visible to others, is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).  In other words, it is living a life totally committed and pleasing to God.