OUTLINE:
Instead of Seeking Theology…
Seek:
– Context (e.g., we are born spiritually dead)
– Truth (e.g., only God can save us)
– Understanding (e.g., God chooses to save some and passes over others)
What is salvation?
– Hebrew yesha (root for Joshua & Jesus) – refers to freedom from something binding/restricting deliverance
– Greek soteria – means deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation; to cure, to rescue
Instead of Seeking Theology…
Somewhere along the line, the religious Jews lost sight of the spirit in favor of the letter – they lost sight of Christ, the Savior, as they clung to their religion – and their religion became their “savior”.
Religious Sacrifices
When performed righteously before God (through faith); they were not construed as the means of salvation; rather, they were ‘types’ (prophetic symbols – physical illustrations of spiritual realities) of Christ’s ultimate, final sacrifice. (Heb 10-11)
Instead of Seeking Theology…
Somewhere along the line, the religious Jews lost sight of the spirit in favor of the letter – they lost sight of Christ, the Savior, as they clung to their religion – and their religion became their “savior”.
Religious Sacrifices
When performed righteously before God (through faith); they were not construed as the means of salvation; rather, they were ‘types’ (prophetic symbols – physical illustrations of spiritual realities) of Christ’s ultimate, final sacrifice. (Heb 10-11)
Whom Shall We Fear?
– Ps 27:1 Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
-cp. –
– Ps 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
OT Salvation Perspective
We see that salvation had an implied “from”, meaning God saved them FROM something that threatened them with harm. Salvation was a safe-haven for those who turned to their Savior for deliverance.
Mt 7:21a
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…”
Ps 9:9-10
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
The Context of Salvation
If we’re going to understand the fullness of Jesus’ words in the four Gospels, we must understand the context he spoke to them in.
What is salvation?
– Hebrew yesha (root for Joshua & Jesus) – refers to freedom from something binding/restricting deliverance
– Greek soteria – means deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation; to cure, to rescue
Context is key!
1Co 14:33
For God is not a God of confusion…