Salvation

Theme Scripture:

Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Introduction:

Salvation is the greatest gift that God has ever given to humanity. It is the power of God unto transformation, freedom, and eternal life. This sermon will explore the profound nature of salvation, its biblical foundations, and its implications for our lives. Today, we will unpack what it means to be saved, why salvation is essential, and how we can live in the fullness of this divine gift.

1. Understanding Salvation

Salvation is rooted in the love and grace of God. The Greek word for salvation is σωτηρία (sōtēria), meaning "deliverance" or "rescue." It signifies being saved from something—specifically from sin and eternal separation from God. The Hebrew equivalent is יְשׁוּעָה (yeshû‘âh), which carries the idea of deliverance, victory, and welfare.

Imagine you are drowning in a vast ocean, unable to save yourself. Every effort you make to swim to safety only brings exhaustion and fear. Then, a rescuer appears, pulls you out of the water, and brings you to shore. This is what salvation in Christ is like. Humanity, drowning in sin, could not save itself. God sent Jesus, our Savior, to rescue us.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV):"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Grace (χάρις in Greek) means unmerited favor. We did nothing to earn our salvation. It is a gift. God’s love for us compelled Him to offer us grace when we were dead in our sins. Think of a prisoner on death row, guilty beyond any doubt. He knows he deserves punishment, but at the last moment, the judge grants him a pardon, not because of anything he did, but because someone else has paid the price. This is grace: receiving mercy when we deserve judgment.

2. Why Salvation is Essential

Every person is born into sin. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin, the Hebrew word חֵטְא (chet), means "missing the mark." It’s not just about breaking God's rules—it’s about failing to live up to His perfect standard.

The consequences of sin is separation from God. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Death here refers not only to physical death but also spiritual death—eternal separation from God. This separation cannot be bridged by our own efforts. No amount of good works, religious deeds, or moral living can save us.

Salvation is essential because of the fallen state of humanity. From the moment of Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world, and with it came death, separation from God, and a broken relationship with our Creator. Every person is born into this condition, and salvation is God's divine solution to restore what was lost.

A. The Fall of Humanity

The story of humanity’s need for salvation begins in the Garden of Eden. God created Adam and Eve in His image, placing them in a perfect world where they had fellowship with Him. However, through their disobedience to God's command, sin entered the world. Genesis 2:16-17 (NIV): "And the Lord God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.'"

Adam and Eve’s decision to disobey God had catastrophic consequences. Sin (Hebrew: חֵטְא - chet, meaning "to miss the mark") not only separated them from God, but it also introduced physical and spiritual death into the human experience. Romans 5:12 (NIV): "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned."

Through Adam’s disobedience, sin spread to all of humanity. This is known as original sin, meaning that every person is born with a sinful nature—a natural inclination to rebel against God. Sin is not merely about doing wrong; it is a deep-rooted condition of the heart. Think of sin as a hereditary disease that is passed down from generation to generation. Every person born after Adam inherits this condition, and it affects every aspect of their life, causing separation from God, the source of life and goodness.

B. The Consequences of Sin

The Bible makes it clear that the consequence of sin is death. This death is not only physical but spiritual, leading to eternal separation from God. The Hebrew word for death, מָוֶת (maveth), implies the cessation of life, and in spiritual terms, it refers to being cut off from the life of God. Romans 6:23 (NIV): "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Without salvation, humanity is spiritually dead, separated from God and unable to restore the relationship on its own. This separation is seen in the fact that humans, without Christ, are spiritually blind, morally corrupt, and incapable of living in the fullness of God’s will. Imagine a branch that has been cut off from a tree. It withers and dies because it is no longer connected to the source of life. In the same way, sin cuts us off from God, and without His intervention, we are spiritually dead.

C. The First Adam

Adam, the first human, is central to understanding why salvation is necessary. He was the representative of humanity, and through his disobedience, sin entered the world. The Bible refers to Adam as the "first Adam," whose actions brought condemnation to all people. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (NIV): "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

Adam’s sin didn’t just affect him; it affected the entire human race. As the representative of humanity, Adam’s disobedience set the course for every person to be born into sin. This means that apart from divine intervention, we all share in Adam’s fallen nature, and no amount of human effort can reverse the consequences of the fall.

The Nature of the Fall:

• Disobedience: Adam’s sin was rooted in disobedience to God’s command. This act of rebellion broke the perfect relationship between God and humanity.

• Separation: Sin caused an immediate separation between humanity and God. Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, symbolizing the broken fellowship with their Creator.

• Spiritual Death: Though Adam did not die physically immediately after his sin, he experienced spiritual death—separation from God, which ultimately leads to eternal death unless restored by God.

D. The Second Adam

While the first Adam brought sin and death into the world, Jesus Christ is referred to as the "second Adam" or the "last Adam" (Greek: ἔσχατος Ἀδάμ - eschatos Adam), who brought righteousness and life through His obedience. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded. Romans 5:19 (NIV): "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Jesus, as the second Adam, came to undo the damage caused by the first Adam. His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection provide the only way for humanity to be restored to God. Through Jesus' obedience to the Father, even to the point of death, the curse of sin was broken.

• Key Points of Contrast:

  1. Disobedience vs. Obedience: The first Adam disobeyed God, bringing sin into the world. Jesus, the second Adam, obeyed God perfectly, even unto death, bringing salvation to all who believe.

  2. Death vs. Life: The first Adam’s sin resulted in death for all humanity. The second Adam’s sacrificial death and resurrection resulted in eternal life for all who believe in Him.

  3. Condemnation vs. Justification: Through the first Adam, humanity was condemned. Through the second Adam, humanity is justified—declared righteous before God.

1 Corinthians 15:45 (NIV): "So it is written: 'The first man Adam became a living being'; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit." Where the first Adam brought death, the second Adam, Jesus, brings life—both spiritual and eternal.

E. Inability of Humanity to Save Itself

Humanity, because of its fallen condition, is incapable of saving itself. This is what makes salvation essential. No amount of good works, moral living, or religious activity can bridge the gap between God and humanity. Isaiah 64:6 (NIV): "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."

Even the best of human efforts are tainted by sin and fall short of God’s perfect standard. In the Greek, the term ἁμαρτία (hamartia) is used for sin, meaning "to miss the mark." It conveys the idea of falling short of a goal, and in this case, the goal is God's perfect holiness. No matter how hard we try, we will always miss the mark on our own. Imagine a person trying to jump across a vast canyon. No matter how strong or skilled they are, they will always fall short of reaching the other side. In the same way, no matter how hard we try, we cannot bridge the gap between ourselves and God created by sin. Only God can provide the way.

F. Why Salvation Through Christ is Essential

Since humanity is fallen and incapable of saving itself, salvation through Christ is the only means of restoration to God. Jesus, the second Adam, came to reverse the curse of sin and to restore what was lost in the fall.

The Necessity of Christ’s Sacrifice:

• Atonement for Sin: In the Old Testament, atonement was made through the sacrifice of animals, symbolizing the covering of sin. However, these sacrifices were temporary. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, offered Himself as the final, once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin. The Greek word for atonement is ἱλασμός (hilasmos), which means "propitiation" or "satisfaction." Jesus' death satisfied God's righteous judgment against sin.

• Reconciliation with God: Through Jesus, we are no longer estranged from God but are reconciled to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV) says, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ." The word for reconciliation in Greek, καταλλαγή (katallagē), refers to restoring a relationship that was once broken.

Think of a broken relationship between two people. One party has wronged the other so deeply that they cannot repair the relationship on their own. Only through the intervention of a mediator can the relationship be restored. Jesus is our mediator, restoring the relationship between humanity and God.

G. Salvation is A Gift, Not a Reward

Salvation is essential because it is a gift that we cannot earn through our own efforts. It is by grace through faith that we are saved, not by our works. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." The Greek word for grace is χάρις (charis), which means unmerited favor. This means that salvation is not something we deserve or can work for—it is given freely by God to those who believe in Jesus. Imagine receiving a priceless gift that you could never afford. You didn’t work for it, and you couldn’t possibly repay it. All you can do is receive it with gratitude. This is what salvation is like—a gift of immeasurable worth, offered freely by God through Christ.

3. The Power of the Cross

God provided a solution to the problem of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus' death on the cross was not just an act of martyrdom but a divine transaction. He became our substitute, bearing the penalty for our sin so that we could receive life. The Greek word for substitute is ἀντιλήμπτωρ (antilēmptōr), which means one who stands in place of another. Jesus stood in our place, receiving the punishment we deserved. This is the heart of the gospel message.

Consider a courtroom where you stand guilty, knowing that the penalty is death. Just as the judge is about to pronounce the sentence, someone steps forward and says, "I will take the punishment in their place." This is what Christ did for us. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV): "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Jesus’ sacrifice was foretold in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for “transgressions” is פֶּשַׁע (pesha‘), meaning rebellion. We rebelled against God, but Jesus took the punishment for that rebellion.

4. Receiving Salvation

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, but it requires us to respond in faith. Faith is not merely intellectual belief or emotional assent; it is a trust that leads to action. True biblical faith involves both belief and a life-changing commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.

A. What is Faith?

In Greek, the word for faith is πίστις (pistis), which goes beyond simple belief to trust and reliance. Faith is often misunderstood as merely believing in the existence of God or acknowledging certain doctrines. But the Bible teaches that faith is active—it involves the entire person: mind, heart, and will. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV): "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith, as described here, is not wishful thinking but a deep conviction of the reality of God's promises, even when they are unseen. It’s trusting God’s word and acting upon it, knowing that God is faithful.

B. Faith That Leads to Salvation

Salvation is not simply believing in the historical facts about Jesus. Even demons believe in God’s existence (James 2:19) and tremble, but they are not saved. True faith is placing your complete trust in Jesus for salvation—trusting in His work on the cross and His resurrection as the only means of reconciliation with God. Romans 10:9-10: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

In Romans 10:9-10, Paul outlines the two components of faith that lead to salvation:

• Confession with the mouth: This means verbally acknowledging Jesus as Lord. The Greek word ὁμολογέω (homologeō) means to “agree” or “confess openly.” This is not a private matter—it is a public declaration of our allegiance to Christ.

• Belief in the heart: This refers to a deep, personal trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s not enough to merely say the right words; true faith is a heart-level conviction. The heart in biblical terms often refers to the center of one’s being—our thoughts, emotions, and will.

Salvation is activated through confession and belief. When we declare Jesus as Lord (Κύριος - Kyrios, meaning ruler or master), we are acknowledging His authority over our lives.

C. Faith is Not Just Words, But Transformation

Faith that leads to salvation is more than just words. It results in a transformed life. James 2:17 tells us, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." This doesn’t mean that works earn salvation, but rather that true faith will naturally produce evidence of salvation—transformed behavior, a new heart, and a new way of living. Imagine a tree. The roots represent faith, and the fruit represents the works that come from that faith. A tree with healthy roots will naturally produce good fruit. In the same way, true faith in Christ will naturally produce good works. These works don’t save us, but they are the evidence of the faith that does.

D. The Role of Repentance in Salvation

True faith is inseparable from repentance. In Greek, the word for repentance is μετάνοια (metanoia), which means a change of mind, heart, and direction. Repentance is turning away from sin and turning towards God. It is recognizing that sin leads to death and embracing the new life that God offers through Jesus. Acts 3:19 (NIV): "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

Repentance isn’t just feeling sorry for sin; it’s about changing our minds and lives. This turning away from sin and turning toward God is crucial in receiving salvation. Think of a prodigal son who leaves home and squanders his inheritance in reckless living. Eventually, he realizes his error and decides to return home, humbly asking his father for forgiveness. This is a picture of repentance. The father, representing God, runs out to embrace his son, showing that God is always ready to receive those who turn back to Him in faith and repentance (Luke 15:11-32).

E. Confession

When we confess Jesus as Lord, we acknowledge His authority over every part of our lives. The word "Lord" in Greek is Κύριος (Kyrios), meaning master, ruler, or owner. To declare Jesus as Lord means to submit every aspect of our life to Him—our thoughts, our actions, our plans, and our desires.

Confessing Jesus as Lord is not a one-time act; it is a lifelong commitment. It means that Jesus is not just a part of our life—He is our life. We live under His authority, guided by His Spirit. Imagine a person who joins a kingdom and pledges allegiance to the king. This person doesn’t just say, “You’re my king,” but lives according to the laws and values of that kingdom. Similarly, when we declare Jesus as Lord, we pledge allegiance to His kingdom and live according to His ways. Luke 6:46 (NIV): "Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?" Jesus’ question here highlights the importance of obedience. Confessing Him as Lord means more than just calling Him Lord with our lips; it means following His teachings and submitting to His will.

F. The Assurance of Salvation

Once we place our faith in Jesus, we are given assurance that we are saved. Salvation is not a fluctuating status based on our performance, but a secure relationship with God, rooted in His faithfulness. John 10:28-29 (ESV): "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 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." This assurance doesn’t mean we become complacent in our faith. On the contrary, it compels us to live faithfully for God, knowing that He holds us securely.

G. Faith as a Journey

Faith is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey. The Bible speaks of the "race of faith" in Hebrews 12:1-2, urging us to run with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. This means that while salvation begins with a moment of faith, it continues as we walk daily in obedience to God, growing in our relationship with Him. Think of faith like a marathon. The race begins with a decision to run, but finishing requires persistence and endurance. In the same way, our walk of faith begins with our decision to trust Christ, but we must continue daily in that faith, relying on God’s strength to persevere to the end.

Receiving salvation is a profound act of faith that involves more than intellectual assent. It’s about trusting Jesus with our whole lives—confessing Him as Lord, repenting of sin, and living a life that reflects His grace and truth. The power of salvation transforms us from the inside out, turning us into new creations in Christ. It’s a journey of faith that we walk daily, relying on God’s grace and the empowerment of His Spirit. Faith is not just believing in God; it’s trusting in His promise and walking in the newness of life that He offers through Jesus Christ. Amen.

5. The Results of Salvation

Once we are saved, we are transformed and become a creation. Salvation is not just a legal transaction that changes our status before God; it is a transformative work that changes the very core of who we are. When a person is saved, they are made into a “new creation” in Christ. This transformation impacts every area of our lives—our hearts, minds, desires, and actions are all renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

A. What Does It Mean to Be a New Creation?

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), the Apostle Paul writes:"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" The Greek word used for "new" is καινός (kainos), which implies something fresh, unprecedented, or completely different in quality. It’s not just an improvement of the old but the creation of something entirely new. The word for "creation" is κτίσις (ktisis), meaning an act of creation or something that has been brought into existence by God.

This new creation is a divine work of God. The moment we place our faith in Christ, God doesn't merely patch up our old self; He gives us a new heart, a new spirit, and a new identity. The "old" refers to our former way of life—our sinful nature, our past mistakes, and the things that once defined us. But in Christ, these things are gone, and we are given a new life.

B. The Regeneration of the Believer

Theologically, this process is called regeneration, or being "born again." Jesus speaks about this in John 3:3 (NIV) when He tells Nicodemus, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." The term born again in Greek is γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν (gennēthē anōthen), meaning "born from above." This indicates that salvation is a work initiated by God, through the Holy Spirit, giving us a new spiritual birth. We are no longer spiritually dead in sin but are made alive in Christ. Titus 3:5 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." Regeneration is the washing away of the old self and the renewal of the believer by the Holy Spirit. We are made new, and this transformation touches every part of who we are. The old is washed away, and a fresh, new life in Christ begins.

C. A New Heart and Spirit

One of the greatest promises of salvation is the transformation of the heart. God promises to replace our hardened, sinful heart with a heart that is soft and responsive to Him. This promise was foreshadowed in the Old Testament, where God spoke through the prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV): "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."

This transformation happens from the inside out. The "heart of stone" refers to our unresponsive, sinful nature, and the "heart of flesh" symbolizes a heart that is alive, sensitive, and open to God's leading. Through the Holy Spirit, God changes our desires, making us more inclined to follow His will and commandments. Imagine a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The caterpillar doesn’t just change its appearance—it becomes a completely different creature. Likewise, salvation doesn’t just change a few aspects of our lives; it transforms us from the inside out, making us new creations.

D. New Identity

As new creations, we are no longer defined by our past or by the world. We are given a new identity as children of God. John 1:12 (NIV) tells us,"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." The Greek word for "right" is ἐξουσία (exousia), meaning authority or power. When we receive Christ, we are granted the authority to be called God’s children. This is not a temporary title—it is a permanent, irrevocable status that defines who we are in relation to God. We are no longer slaves to sin or fear but beloved sons and daughters of the King. Imagine being adopted into a royal family. No matter what your background was, once you are adopted, you are given all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of royalty. In the same way, when we come to Christ, we are adopted into God’s family and are heirs to His promises.

E. New Desires and New Purpose

With our new identity in Christ comes new desires and purposes. The sinful desires that once dominated our lives begin to lose their power as we are transformed by the Holy Spirit. We begin to desire the things of God—righteousness, holiness, love, and truth.

Philippians  2:13 (NIV):"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." God doesn't just give us new life; He also works in us to align our will with His. This means that the transformation isn’t something we do in our own strength—it’s a work of God within us. Our old desires fade, and we begin to live out the new life He has given us.

F. Freedom from Sin

As new creations, we are no longer bound by the chains of sin. The power of sin is broken in our lives through the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are given the ability to walk in freedom, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Romans 6:6-7 (NIV): "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin."

The Greek word for "set free" is δεδικαίωται (dedikaiōtai), meaning to be justified or acquitted. In Christ, we are declared righteous, and the hold that sin had over us is broken. We no longer live as slaves to sin but as free people who walk in the Spirit.

Imagine someone who has been in prison for many years. One day, they are pardoned and set free. They are no longer a prisoner—they are free to live a new life. This is what salvation does for us. We are no longer imprisoned by sin, but we are free to live in the power and joy of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 (NIV): "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Walking in the Spirit is living in continual dependence on the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide our actions, thoughts, and desires. As we yield to the Spirit, we find victory over sin and begin to live in the righteousness God desires.

G. Evidence of the New Creation

As new creations, the evidence of our transformation is seen in the fruit of the Spirit. These are the visible characteristics that emerge in our lives as we are transformed by God's grace. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These fruits are not things we produce on our own; they are the result of the Holy Spirit working within us. As new creations, we are like trees that bear good fruit. The more we abide in Christ, the more His character is reflected in our lives.

Consider a fruit tree. If the tree is healthy and well-rooted, it naturally produces fruit. It doesn’t strain to bear fruit; it simply does so because it’s receiving nourishment. In the same way, as we remain rooted in Christ and filled with the Spirit, the fruit of righteousness naturally grows in our lives.

H. Transformation in Every Area of Life

Being a new creation in Christ means that every area of our life is affected by the transformative power of salvation. Our relationships, our character, our decisions, and our priorities all begin to reflect the nature of Christ.

A person who used to live for themselves, focused only on their own desires and ambitions, begins to live a life of selflessness and service. They prioritize loving others, seeking justice, and living in humility because their heart and mind have been transformed.

I. New Hope and Eternal Life

Finally, the result of salvation as a new creation is the hope of eternal life. We are no longer bound by the fear of death or judgment. We are given the assurance of eternal life with God. This new life begins now, but it continues into eternity. John 5:24 (NIV): "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." As new creations, we live with the confident expectation of eternal life. The "old" life of sin and death is gone, and the "new" life of righteousness and eternal fellowship with God is here.

Conclusion:

Salvation is the most precious gift we could ever receive. It is the power of God to deliver us from sin and death and bring us into eternal life. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made a way for us to be reconciled with God. But this gift requires a response—faith in Jesus and surrender to His lordship.

The result of salvation is nothing short of miraculous. We are transformed into new creations, no longer defined by our past, sin, or failures. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are given a new heart, a new identity as children of God, and a new purpose to live for His glory. We walk in freedom from sin, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and living with the hope of eternal life. This transformation is not temporary or superficial—it is a profound, lasting work of God that affects every area of our lives. In Christ, we are truly new, and we live out that newness every day as we walk in His Spirit. Let us rejoice and walk in the fullness of this new creation that we are in Christ!

Salvation is essential because of the human condition. Every person, through Adam, is born into sin and spiritually separated from God. This separation leads to death—both physical and eternal. But God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided the second Adam, Jesus Christ, to reverse the effects of the fall and offer salvation to all who believe in Him. Through His obedience, we can be made righteous, reconciled to God, and restored to the relationship that was lost. Salvation is the only means by which we can be freed from the power of sin, receive eternal life, and live in the fullness of God’s grace.

If you have not received this gift of salvation, today is the day to do so. Don’t wait. The Bible says, "Today is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Come to Jesus, and He will transform your life.

• John 3:16-17 (NIV):"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."

• Titus 3:5 (ESV):"He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."

• Acts 4:12 (NIV):"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."