Understanding Salvation in Evangelical Theology
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity is the heart of all Holy Scripture. Through His blood shed on the cross of Calvary comes the redemption of sins for every human being who repents and, in consequence, confesses that Jesus is Lord.
Salvation is an act of grace, and no one can attain it by their own merits. What a person can do is accept or reject that saving grace. There are various ways of interpreting the work of salvation; here it will be treated from the standpoint of Protestant evangelical theology.
The term justification, as described by theologian Myer Pearlman, is “a forensic term that reminds us of a law court. The man, guilty and condemned before God, is acquitted and declared righteous, that is, justified.” Human beings find themselves in a state of condemnation as a consequence of original sin, and this sentence is only annulled through the saving work of Christ on the cross, which declares them righteous before God.
In sum, the work of salvation is by grace alone, through faith, and was accomplished by the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Through His vicarious sacrifice, humanity has peace with God in Him and receives the inheritance of eternal life.
PEARLMAN, Myer. Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible. Springfield: Gospel Publishing House, 1981.
