1.5 The nature of salvation
The nature of salvation
Christians believe that the perfect relationship between God and humans was broken by Adam and Eve
Therefore salvation is needed to restore this broken relationship and have eternal life in heaven
The role of Jesus in salvation
The Jewish people at the time believed that salvation came through obeying the Law given to Moses
However Christians believe that salvation came through the death of Christ who sacrificed himself to redeem the original sin
Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Christians believe that salvation is attained through the sacraments
Evangelical Protestants believe that salvation is attained by accepting Jesus as the Lord and Saviour
Liberal Protestants believe that salvation comes through following Jesus as an example and living a good Christian life
Importance to Christians
Salavation fixed the relationship between God and humans
Without salvation, people cannot go to Paradise as they have sin
Divergent views on atonement
Atonement is the reconciliation between God and humans
Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Christians believe that atonement was brought about by Jesus's sacrifice (Christ's Passion) making salvation possible for all by taking the sacraments of the Church
Evangelical Protestants believe that a penalty was needed to resore the relationship, however God didn't want to inflict it on humans so he instead took it on himself through Jesus (penal substitution theory) who acted as a substitute for the whole of humanity, salvation comes through faith in the atoning death of Christ
Liberal Protestants believe Jesus brought about atonement through his moral example and love for humanity (as seen in his undeserved death), this inspires Christians to live a good life and be reconciled with God
Sources of wisdom and authority
John's Gospel says that God loved the world so much that he sent his only son to save the world
Christians believe that Jesus came to earth to bring salvation to the world
The moment he died on the cross, his death paid the price for human sins and gave people the chance of salvation
Jesus' death atones for human sins
All Christians believe that salvation brings God's grace (the strength to be good and holy)
Salavation from sin was the purpose of Jesus coming to Earth and founding Christianity
St Paul says in his letters that salvation can only be found through Jesus