The two dimensions of salvation are: - Salvation from and forgiveness of our sins (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:77; Jn 1:29; Acts 5:31). Salvation helps us resolve the problem of sin—a problem we cannot resolve by ourselves. This is exactly why we need to be saved. If we could resolve the problem of our sins ourselves we wouldn’t need saving! The Bible says, “In him [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace†(Eph 1:7). To those blessed by God, God does not impute their sins (Rom 4:8); instead, God credits the blessed with righteousness apart from any works (Rom 4:6). God justifies us freely, he does not justify us to repay us for something we did for him (Rom 4:4). God doesn’t need anything, nor could we give him anything, for all things are his.
- The gift of abundant and, ultimately, eternal life (Jn 3:16; Jn 5:40; Jn 10:10, 28). Salvation resolves the result of sin—death. Human beings, left alone in sin, will ultimately die, both physically and spiritually. But whoever believes in the Son (Jesus Christ) has eternal life (Jn 3:36). For Jesus’ believers have crossed over from death to life (Jn 5:24). Grace reigns through righteousness to bring life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 5:21). So salvation ultimately gives us eternal life.
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