What Does it Mean to Be Saved: A Biblical Understanding
Salvation, in a theological sense, refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences, leading to a restored relationship with God and the promise of eternal life. It is the act by which God, through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, rescues humanity from spiritual death and separation, offering reconciliation and new life.
In the beginning, following the original sin—Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God, which led to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden—humanity’s relationship with the Lord began to diverge. This divergence was due to the introduction of sin into the human heart. When sin is practiced, it creates a chasm, separating individuals from God. The concept of being saved originates from turning away from our sin and evil desires, and through the Holy Spirit, reuniting ourselves with God.
When examining the Old Testament, particularly books like Exodus, it becomes evident that the Israelites were not saved by their adherence to the Law or through their sacrificial system. Instead, they were given commands and rituals to serve as constant reminders of their sinfulness and to cultivate their pursuit of God. This is clearly articulated in the book of Hebrews:
Hebrews 10:1-4 (NASB)
“1 For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
These verses underscore that no human effort or ritual could ever truly atone for sin or bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. This fundamental truth changed with the advent of Jesus Christ.
The Atoning Work of Jesus Christ
Salvation became possible through Jesus, who entered our world, lived a sinless life, offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, and resurrected on the third day. During His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke plainly about the path to salvation and demonstrated its simplicity. In His conversation with Martha, recorded in John, Jesus declared:
John 11:25-26 (NASB)
“…“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?””
Jesus reiterated this profound truth when a sinful woman anointed His feet in Luke’s Gospel:
Luke 7:50 (NASB)
“50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.””
The words of Jesus consistently point to belief in Him as the pathway to eternal life. To have eternal life with Christ means to never be separated from Him, for separation from Him is darkness. Thus, Jesus saves us from eternal darkness—from hell. This is the core of what it means to be saved.
Eternal Security in Christ
While there are various interpretations regarding the nature of salvation and whether it can be lost, a careful examination of scripture, particularly in light of Jesus’s own words, supports the eternal security of the believer. Some passages, often cited to suggest a loss of salvation, include:
Hebrews 6:4-6 (NASB)
“4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.”
Hebrews 10:26-27 (NASB)
“26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.”
However, these passages are generally understood to refer to individuals who have been exposed to the truth of the Gospel, perhaps even experienced some of its benefits, but ultimately reject Jesus as Lord of their life and choose to live in continuous, unrepentant rebellion. They describe a deliberate turning away from Christ, rather than a genuine believer losing their salvation. The eternal security of those who truly believe is affirmed by Jesus Himself:
John 10:27-30 (NASB)
“27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.””
These verses emphasize God’s unwavering power and commitment to keep those who are truly His.
Faith in Jesus: The Sole Condition
The New Testament consistently declares that salvation is by faith alone, not by human actions or works. Placing our faith in Jesus means acknowledging Him as Lord of our lives, striving to follow His example, and living according to His teachings.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)
“8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Romans 3:28 (NASB)
“28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.”
Galatians 2:16 (NASB)
“16 Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
Galatians 3:2-3 (NASB)
“2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”
Titus 3:5 (NASB)
“5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”
The emphasis is clear: our salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned through our own efforts. As Paul states in Galatians:
Galatians 2:21 (NASB)
“21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.””
Repentance and a Changed Heart
While salvation is by faith alone, genuine faith always leads to repentance—a radical change of heart. This is not merely sorrow for past sins, but a decisive turning away from them and a turning toward God. Jesus’s early preaching centered on this message:
Luke 13:3 (NASB)
“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Mark 1:15 (NASB)
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Furthermore, Jesus clarified that true faith is evidenced by obedience:
Matthew 7:21 (NASB)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
This demonstrates that genuine faith is not merely a verbal confession but leads to a transformed life of obedience, flowing from a heart changed by God’s grace.
The New Birth
Putting your faith in Jesus and turning away from past sinful desires and actions initiates what is known as the “new birth.” In one of the most famous conversations in the New Testament, Jesus tells Nicodemus that salvation requires a spiritual rebirth:
John 3:3 (NASB)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
This “being born again” describes a profound transformation of mind and spirit. As we are declared children of God, we are empowered to pursue a life that reflects Christ’s character.
Living Out Our Salvation: The Great Commission
Furthermore, our faith in Jesus should not be kept to ourselves. As followers of Christ, we are called to share this truth with others, fulfilling Jesus’s command known as the Great Commission:
Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)
“…all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””
In summary, according to Jesus’s own words and the consistent teaching of the New Testament, we are saved by:
- Believing in Him as the Son of God and the source of eternal life.
- Repenting from our sins, which is a change of heart and direction in our lives.
- Being born again spiritually, which is the work of the Holy Spirit in response to our faith and repentance.
All of these aspects occur when we put our faith in Him and declare Jesus as Lord of our lives. It is truly the most simple, most important, and life-changing step anyone can make. The beauty of salvation lies in its simplicity and the boundless grace of God, which leaves no room for human boasting or self-righteousness. We are all sinners saved by grace, and this shared truth fosters humility and unity, rather than comparison or pride.
Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org