Bible Students

Salvation is the union of the believer and Christ, resulting in the eternal dwelling of man with God and the uniting of heaven and earth in the New Jerusalem kingdom. Salvation is only made possible through the atonement of Jesus on the cross. The atonement paid the debt of sin for each individual, and reconciled God with man. Now, all man must do is believe in Jesus in order to be counted a part of this new humanity, joined with God. To believe in Jesus is a very culturally-shrowded term. 

Belief in Jesus is not belief that Jesus existed, but belief in Him and His atonement. Belief is a term used today which does not truly reflect the biblical idea being presented. The idea of believing in Jesus is really trusting in Him as savior. One must trust in the work Jesus has done, not trusting in their own works, to be saved. 

When a person is saved, they are then indwelled by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives spiritual gifts and fruit to all believers, that they may contribute to the body of Christ, be edified, and convert nonbelievers. The Spirit empowers believers and helps them on their road of sanctification. 

After one is saved, they begin to bear works consistent with a changed character. The Spirit inside of each believer helps to produce fruit, though the believe themself also contributes to their own character change through self denial and the practice of the presence of Jesus in their life. This is not the same as earning one’s salvation, as justification has already taken place. Now, each Christians works out their salvation in the stage of sanctification. 

Some believe salvation can be lost, and some believe salvation can not be lost. Looking from the outside, it is impossible to tell. What is clear in both systems, however, is that when a person rejects Christ, they are not saved, and when a person accepts Christ, they are saved. Whether one appeared to be saved or unsaved is where the difficulty lies. However, it is clear that faith in Christ brings salvation, and rejection of Christ brings condemnation.