The Bible offers Christians definitive ways to attain salvation. Notably, the ways provided for in the Old Testament are unique to it, and cannot be observed in the New Testament. Similarly, the New Testament offers believers a novel way to attain salvation. There are many similarities in either case, but there are also some unique distinctions that stand out. This work demonstrates how salvation has been a gift from God to believers as an acceptance and acknowledgement of their righteous ways. This work will use the Bible to show how God has offered salvation to all believers; both in the Old and New Testaments.
In the Bible; in both the Old and New Testaments, God constantly assures believers that their destiny will be one of salvation. The term salvation refers to the act of saving the human soul from sin and its consequences (Hempel, 2008). Those who abide by God’s word will be saved from all sins, and its consequences. There are numerous accounts of God’s promise of salvation to His followers. In the Old Testament, God communicated to the people through prophets. “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them,” (Romans 10:5). The Book of Leviticus also includes a description of how God intends to reward the righteous. “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD,” (Lev 18:5). Attaining salvation, according to the Old Testament requires each man to develop their own state of righteousness: “And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us,” (Deut. 6:25). Indeed, the relationship between God and man is based on the ultimate Godly reward. When man seek God, they are aiming to interact and develop a relationship that surpasses worldly benefits.
The varying interpretations of the concept of salvation in the Bible has played a significant part in encouraging the divisions that exist across various Christian denominations. For example, the views held within Roman Catholicism about salvation differs from those within Protestantism. These differences are not disruptive, but merely slightly deviant. Such deviations are also observed in the Bible which pay a lot of focus on the act of salvation (Hempel, 2008). Unlike in the Old Testament, Salvation can only be attained by following Jesus Christ according to the New Testament. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,” (Acts 16:31). This is also inscribed in the Gospel of John “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name,” (Jn. 1:12). When a believer has complete faith in Jesus Christ he receives salvation “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many,” (Rom. 5:15). Salvation hence serves as a link that believers can further advance their relationship with God. God promises Christians that their good deeds will be rewarded with salvation. This is a constant message throughout the Bible; even where there are slight differences on how to attain salvation.
Although there is some debate about the nature of salvation, and how believers can attain it; salvation remains a constant promise by God. In effect, the existence of salvation has not been questioned. Further, in the scripture, the concept of salvation is presented as a gift from God to man. The gift can also be viewed as a promise; which is a more accurate description of salvation in some cases. Believers are expected to make the necessary efforts to reach the ultimate promise from the Creator. Although God offers many gifts and promises to believers, salvation serves as the most significant one because it is aimed at eternal fulfilment; eternal life. This is significant both for what it presents, and also for the reasons that the opposite is a dire option. People without guaranteed salvation die; their souls perish (Priest, 2008). The variances that exist between the Old and New Testaments regarding the attainment of salvation are minute. These differences especially focus on the ways that believers should seek salvation. Other issues such as the guarantee of salvation to all believers is more important.
Conclusion
For many Christians, seeking salvation is worthwhile. It may require believers to stick to a rather stricter way of life, but it remain a worthwhile journey. Salvation is a gift from God to his people. It is not a free gift, for those who seek it will have to abide by some key requirements. These requirements are spelled out in both the Old and New Testaments. God’s ultimate promise to believers is that there will be salvation for their righteousness (Hempel, 2008).
Hempel, L. M. (2008). Scripture, Sin and Salvation: Theological Conservatism Reconsidered. Social Forces, 86(4), 1647-1674.
Priest, M. (2008). Salvation Is the Issue. Meridians, 8(2), 116-122.