Paradigm shift in Christian thinking over 2000 years

[Retrobyter]

Shalom, to any and all readers.

My point in the above account of David's war with one of his sons, AVshalowm ("Absalom"), is to show how valuable news from the runners was considered. Even today, with our messages by cell phone, walkie-talkie, radio, or even T.V., INFORMATION is valuable to the strategist as well as the lay person.

The "GOOD news" or "gospel" originally was the "gospel of the kingdom," that is, the "good news about the Kingdom of God, David's Kingdom" and that is found in the PERSON of Yeeshuwa` who is haMaashiyach 'Elohiym - the Messiah of God - the One whom GOD has Anointed to be the King of Israel - the King-Elect! ("Elect" means "chosen.")

Again, Isaiah 52:7 is the key:

Isaiah 52:7 (KJV)

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, "THY GOD REIGNETH!"

52:7

מַה־נָּאווּ עַל־הֶהָרִים רַגְלֵי מְבַשֵּׂר מַשְׁמִיעַ שָׁלוֹם מְבַשֵּׂר טוֹב מַשְׁמִיעַ יְשׁוּעָה אֹמֵר לְצִיּוֹן מָלַךְ אֱלֹהָיִךְ׃

52:7 Mah-naa'vuw `al-hehaariym raglay mVasseer mashmiya` shaalowm mVasseer TowV mashmiya` yshuw`aah 'omeer ltsiyyown maalakh 'Elohaayikh:

7 How-beautiful upon-the-mountains his-feet of-from-messenger that-proclaims peace of-from-messenger good that-proclaims rescue that-says to-Tsiyyown (Zion), "Reigns thy-God!"

It's important to see that the message of His Runner, John the Baptist, was that haMaashiyach - the Messiah = ho Christos - the Christ, whom Israel had been promised would come and for whom they were waiting, HAD COME IN THE PERSON OF YEESHUWA`! (His name means "He shall save" or "He shall deliver" or "He shall rescue!")

THAT is the "gospel of the Kingdom."

Let's look at the beginning of that message:

Matthew 3:1-17 (KJV)

1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying,

"Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying,

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" (Isaiah 40:3)

4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them,

"O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, 'We have Abraham to [our] father': for I say unto you, that God is able of these STONES to raise up children unto Abraham! 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire! 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you (plural) with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire!: 12 Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire!"

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying,

"I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?"

15 And Jesus answering said unto him,

"Suffer (Allow)  [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness."

Then he suffered (allowed) him.

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying,

"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!"

A couple of things one should note: First, the phrase "at hand" does NOT mean "IN hand!" It doesn't mean that it is already possessed! Rather, it means that it is "within one's grasp!" This implies one saying, "It's HERE! Reach out and take it!"

Second, one should note that verse 11 is surrounded by verses 10 and 12. Look at how the word "fire" is treated in verses 10 and 12: "every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire" and "he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire!" So, this is NOT a good thing! It's PUNISHMENT! So, the same thing is meant in verse 11:

Thus, when John said, "he shall baptize you (plural) with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire," he is talking to BOTH parties, those who repent and those who do not. The pentitent He shall baptize with (submerge in) the Ruwach haQodesh ("the Holy Spirit" or "the Holy Ghost"), but the impenitent shall be baptized with (submerged in) FIRE!

Now, let's go back and see the events following the Messiah's birth:

Luke 2:21-40 (KJV)

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called "JESUS" ("Ἰησοῦς" or "Ieesous" in Greek, "יֵשׁוּעַ" or "Yeeshuwa`" in Hebrew), which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"; - Exodus 13:2, 12) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." (Leviticus 12:8)

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ (YHWH'S Messiah = YHWH'S Anointed = YHWH'S King-Elect). 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation ("τὸ σωτήριόν σου" or "to sooteerion sou" in Greek = "יִשְׁעֶךָ" or "yish`ekhaa" in Hebrew), 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel!"

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother,

"Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser (Asher): she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven (7) years from her virginity (around 12); 37 And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four (84) years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

[Retrobyter]

Shalom to any and all readers.

Continuing on with the "gospel," the original message heralded by the Messiah's Forerunner, was called "the gospel of the Kingdom," and again, that message was, "Thy God reigneth!"

While Yeeshuwa` originally was the Word of God, who was God, He "became flesh," was named "Yeeshuwa`" in anticipation of His role as haMaashiyach ben David or "the Messiah son of David."

Rabbis since before the Messiah came the first time knew that there were two sets of prophecies about the Messiah - haMaashiyach ben Yowceef  (the Messiah son of Joseph [the Joseph in Genesis]) and haMaashiyach ben David (the Messiah son of David). The first set was about the suffering and dying Messiah, and the second set was about the victorious and reigning Messiah. Rabbis argued whether they were prophecies about one single Messiah or two Messiahs or even the possibility of more than two. 

This if what John the Baptist (or Yochanan the Immerser) was talking about when he sent two of his own disciples to Yeeshuwa` to ask "art thou He that should come or do we look for another?" It was obvious that Yeeshuwa` would become the Messiah son of Joseph - the suffering and dying Messiah, but would He also be the victorious and reigning Messiah, as well? So, what did Yeeshuwa` do to alleviate his concern? He performed the miracles in front of John's disciples that were said to be performed by the victorious and reigning Messiah, the Son of David, proving that He would be BOTH!

This was not a "lapse of faith" on John's part, as some claim! He knew that HE HIMSELF came in the spirit of Elijah but was not Elijah. So, he needed to know if Yeeshuwa` was just the first of two Messiahs or if He would fulfill both sets of prophecy.

Next: How does this "gospel of the Kingdom" compare to the "gospel" that Paul preached?

[Retrobyter]

Shalom to any and all readers:

Paul said to the believers in Korinth (in Turkey today):

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJV)

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Many preachers stop there, and summarize this into the statement that, "the gospel is  the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ."

But, Paul didn't stop there:

1 Corinthians 15:5-11

5 And that he was seen of Cephas (Greek Κηφᾶς or "Keefas" for the Hebrew word כֵּף "Keef" which means a "hollow rock or GEODE," the nickname that Yeeshuwa` gave to שִׁמְעוֹן - "Shim`own" or "Simon," now called "Peter," from the Greek word Πέτρος or "Petros" meaning "a rock or a stone"),
then of the twelve (Yeeshuwa`s original Apostles or "Sent ones"):
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep (died).
7 After that, he was seen of James (Greek Ἰάκωβος or "Iakoobos" for the Hebrew name יַעֲקֹב or "Ya`aqoV" most often translated "Jacob," Yeeshuwa`s brother, who was not one of the Twelve) ; then of all the apostles (there were many more than 12 sent out, most by the original Twelve).
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

11 Therefore whether [it were] I or they, so we preach (Greek: κηρύσσομεν or "keerussomen," meaning "we herald; proclaim"), and so ye believed.

3710 כֵּף kêph, kafe; from H3721; a hollow rock:
—rock.

The key about this "gospel" is that this is about the "CHRIST," the "MESSIAH!" The One who is "God's Anointed One," selected and ordained by God to be the King of Israel on David's throne. His reign is to be eternal, but he points out that, despite His rejection and the discontinuity of life for "three days and three nights," He is STILL YHWH'S "Messiah" to be King of Israel! The Gospel is STILL "Thy God reigneth!"; however, there's a short "hiccup" in the life of His Messiah and He becomes the ULTIMATE Sacrifice for sin!

Isaiah 53:1-12 (KJV)

1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is "the arm of the LORD" (a nickname for the Messiah) revealed? 2 For he (the Messiah) shall grow up before him (God) as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he (the Messiah) hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him (the Messiah), [there is] no beauty that we should desire him (the Messiah). 3 He (the Messiah) is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him (the Messiah); he (the Messiah) was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he (the Messiah) hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him (the Messiah) stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he (the Messiah) [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him (the Messiah); and with his (the Messiah's) stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him (the Messiah) the iniquity of us all. 7 He (the Messiah) was oppressed, and he (the Messiah) was afflicted, yet he (the Messiah) opened not his (the Messiah's) mouth: he (the Messiah) is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he (the Messiah) openeth not his mouth. 8 He (the Messiah) was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his (the Messiah's) generation? for he (the Messiah) was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he (the Messiah) stricken. 9 And he (the Messiah) made his (the Messiah's) grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his (the Messiah's) death; because he (the Messiah) had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his (the Messiah's) mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him (the Messiah); he (GOD) hath put [him (the Messiah)] to grief: WHEN THOU SHALT MAKE HIS (THE MESSIAH'S) SOUL (AIR-BREATHING CREATURE) AN OFFERING FOR SIN, he (God) shall see [his (the Messiah's)] seed, he (God) shall prolong [his (the Messiah's)] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his (the Messiah's) hand. 11 HE (GOD) SHALL SEE OF THE TRAVAIL (TOIL, STRUGGLE) OF HIS (THE MESSIAH'S) SOUL (AIR-BREATHING CREATURE), [AND] SHALL BE SATISFIED: BY HIS (GOD'S) KNOWLEDGE SHALL MY RIGHTEOUS SERVANT (THE MESSIAH) JUSTIFY MANY; FOR HE (THE MESSIAH) SHALL BEAR THEIR INIQUITIES.

12 "Therefore will I (God) divide him (the Messiah) [a portion] with the great, and he (the Messiah) shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he (the Messiah) hath poured out his (the Messiah's) soul (air-breathing creature) unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he (the Messiah) bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."

And, for all the new versions that are out there, I don't know of a single new version of the Bible that can say it better than the KJV did in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

21 For he (God) hath made him (the Messiah) to be sin for us, who (the Messiah) knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (the Messiah).

This shows THE EXCHANGE (which is what the Greek word καταλλαγή or "katallagee," translated "reconciliation," means in 2 Corinthians 5. Yeeshuwa` was made OUR SIN, while we are made THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD that was in the Messiah. That is what makes our justification by God possible. He declares us "His own Righeousness," because He had already declared His Son "our sin!" So, when we make His Son's death OUR Sacrifice for sin, then He has the legal liberty to declare US "His Righteousness!"

The conclusion is this: "The death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Yeeshuwa` the Messiah of God is an ADDITION TO the Gospel, as originally proclaimed. It's a "COMPLICATION" (sort of) to the Message, but it is not SOLELY the Message! Yeeshuwa` was so named because "He shall RESCUE His people from their sins," which couldn't have happened without His Sacrifice.

[Retrobyter]

Shalom, again, to all.

One last thought on this topic of the "gospel." Even the Messiah's reign is a "temporary fix," so to speak. Paul also told us,

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (KJV)

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order:

(0) Christ the firstfruits;
(1) afterward they that are Christ's (those who belong to the Messiah) at his coming.
24 (2) Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

25 For "he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet." (Psalm 110:1-2)

26 The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death. 27 For "he (G0d) hath put all things under his (the Messiah's) feet. {But when he saith "all things are put under [him," it is] manifest that "he (God)" is excepted, which did "put all things under him (the Messiah)."} 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, THAT GOD MAY BE ALL IN ALL.

When compared with Revelation 20 and 21, we learn that this time period will be a thousand years in which the Messiah will reign and subdue all of His enemies. Then, after the Great White Throne Judgment, He shall turn over the reign of the Empire to His Father while He continues to reign over the house of Jacob (Israel) forever. (Luke 1:33).

Next: We will cover "Salvation," the REAL meaning of the word.

[Retrobyter]

Shalom to any and all readers.

"Salvation" is one of those English words MOST ABUSED by so many people. And, that may LARGELY be attributed to Christians who have misused the word for so long!

"Salvation" is said to mean this (according to Wikipedia):

"Salvation (from Latin: salvatio, from salva, 'safe, saved') is the state of being saved or protected from harm or a dire situation.[1] In religion and theology, salvation generally refers to the deliverance of the soul from sin and its consequences.[2][3] The academic study of salvation is called soteriology."

A Dictionary definition is this:

"salvation | salˈvāSHən | 

noun 

1 preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss: they try to sell it to us as economic salvation. 
• (one's salvation) a source or means of being saved from harm, ruin, or loss: his only salvation was to outfly the enemy. 

2 Theology: deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ: the Christian gospel of salvation for all mankind. 

ORIGIN 

Middle English: from Old French salvacion, from ecclesiastical Latin salvation- (from salvare ‘to save’), translating Greek sōtēria."

This is what Wikipedia also adds:

"Meaning

See also: Redemption (theology)

In Abrahamic religions and theology, salvation is the saving of the soul from sin and its consequences.[2] It may also be called deliverance or redemption from sin and its effects.[4] Depending on the religion or even denomination, salvation is considered to be caused either only by the grace of God (i.e. unmerited and unearned), or by faith, good deeds (works), or a combination thereof. Religions often emphasize that man is a sinner by nature and that the penalty of sin is death (physical death, spiritual death: spiritual separation from God and eternal punishment in hell).

Judaism

See also: Atonement in Judaism

In contemporary Judaism, redemption (Hebrew: גְּאוּלָּה‎ ge'ulah), refers to God redeeming the people of Israel from their various exiles.[5] This includes the final redemption from the present exile.[6]

Judaism holds that adherents do not need personal salvation as Christians believe. Jews do not subscribe to the doctrine of original sin.[7] Instead, they place a high value on individual morality as defined in the law of God—embodied in what Jews know as the Torah or The Law, given to Moses by God on biblical Mount Sinai.

In Judaism, salvation is closely related to the idea of redemption, a saving from the states or circumstances that destroy the value of human existence. God, as the universal spirit and Creator of the World, is the source of all salvation for humanity, provided that an individual honours God by observing His precepts. So redemption or salvation depends on the individual. Judaism stresses that salvation cannot be obtained through anyone else or by just invoking a deity or believing in any outside power or influence.[8]

The Jewish concept of Messiah visualises the return of the prophet Elijah as the harbinger of one who will redeem the world from war and suffering, leading mankind to universal brotherhood under the fatherhood of one God. The Messiah is not considered as a future divine or supernatural being but as a dominating human influence in an age of universal peace, characterised by the spiritual regeneration of humanity. In Judaism, salvation is open to all people and not limited to those of the Jewish faith; the only important consideration being that the people must observe and practise the ethical pattern of behaviour as summarised in the Ten Commandments. When Jews refer to themselves as 'the chosen people of God,' they do not imply they have been chosen for special favours and privileges but rather they have taken it upon themselves to show to all peoples by precept and example the ethical way of life.[8]

When examining Jewish intellectual sources throughout history, there is clearly a spectrum of opinions regarding death versus the afterlife. Possibly an over-simplification, one source says salvation can be achieved in the following manner: Live a holy and righteous life dedicated to Yahweh, the God of Creation. Fast, worship, and celebrate during the appropriate holidays.[9]

By origin and nature, Judaism is an ethnic religion. Therefore, salvation has been primarily conceived in terms of the destiny of Israel as the elect people of Yahweh (often referred to as "the Lord"), the God of Israel.[6]

In the biblical text of Psalms, there is a description of death, when people go into the earth or the "realm of the dead" and cannot praise God. The first reference to resurrection is collective in Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones, when all the Israelites in exile will be resurrected. There is a reference to individual resurrection in the Book of Daniel.[10] It was not until the 2nd century BCE that there arose a belief in an afterlife, in which the dead would be resurrected and undergo divine judgment. Before that time, the individual had to be content that his posterity continued within the holy nation.[6]

The salvation of the individual Jew was connected to the salvation of the entire people. This belief stemmed directly from the teachings of the Torah. In the Torah, God taught his people sanctification of the individual. However, he also expected them to function together (spiritually) and be accountable to one another. The concept of salvation was tied to that of restoration for Israel.[11]

During the Second Temple Period, the Sadducees, High Priests, denied any particular existence of individuals after death because it wasn't written in the Torah, while the Pharisees, ancestors of the rabbis, affirmed both bodily resurrection and immortality of the soul, most likely based on the influence of Hellenistic ideas about body and soul and the Pharisaic belief in the Oral Torah. The Pharisees maintained that after death, the soul is connected to God until the messianic era when it is rejoined with the body in the land of Israel at the time of resurrection.[10]

Christianity

Main article: Salvation in Christianity

Allegory of Salvation by Antonius Heusler (c. 1555), National Museum in Warsaw.

Christianity's primary premise is that the incarnation and death of Jesus Christ formed the climax of a divine plan for humanity's salvation. This plan was conceived by God before the creation of the world, achieved at the cross, and it would be completed at the Last Judgment, when the Second Coming of Christ would mark the catastrophic end of the world and the creation of a new world.[12]

For Christianity, salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus' death on the cross was the once-for-all sacrifice that atoned for the sin of humanity.[12]

The Christian religion, though not the exclusive possessor of the idea of redemption, has given to it a special definiteness and a dominant position. Taken in its widest sense, as deliverance from dangers and ills in general, most religions teach some form of it. It assumes an important position, however, only when the ills in question form part of a great system against which human power is helpless.[13]

Allegory of Salvation by Wolf Huber (c. 1543), Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna

According to Christian belief, sin as the human predicament is considered to be universal.[14] For example, in Romans 1:18–3:20 the Apostle Paul declared everyone to be under sin—Jew and Gentile alike. Salvation is made possible by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which in the context of salvation is referred to as the "atonement".[15] Christian soteriology ranges from exclusive salvation[16]: p.123  to universal reconciliation[17] concepts. While some of the differences are as widespread as Christianity itself, the overwhelming majority agree that salvation is made possible by the work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, dying on the cross.

At the heart of Christian faith is the reality and hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Christian faith is faith in the God of salvation revealed in Jesus of Nazareth. The Christian tradition has always equated this salvation with the transcendent, eschatological fulfillment of human existence in a life freed from sin, finitude, and mortality and united with the triune God. This is perhaps the non-negotiable item of Christian faith. What has been a matter of debate is the relation between salvation and our activities in the world.

— Anselm Kyongsuk Min, Dialectic of Salvation: Issues in Theology of Liberation (2009)[18]: p.79 

The Bible presents salvation in the form of a story that describes the outworking of God's eternal plan to deal with the problem of human sin. The story is set against the background of the history of God's people and reaches its climax in the person and work of Christ. The Old Testament part of the story shows that people are sinners by nature, and describes a series of covenants by which God sets people free and makes promises to them. His plan includes the promise of blessing for all nations through Abraham and the redemption of Israel from every form of bondage. God showed his saving power throughout Israel's history, but he also spoke about a Messianic figure who would save all people from the power, guilt, and penalty of sin. This role was fulfilled by Jesus, who will ultimately destroy all the devil's work, including suffering, pain, and death.

— Macmillan Dictionary of the Bible.

Variant views on salvation are among the main fault lines dividing the various Christian denominations: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. A few examples are found within Protestantism, notably in the Calvinist–Arminian debate, and between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, notably when dealing with Sola Fide during the Protestant Reformation. The fault lines can include conflicting definitions of depravity, predestination, atonement, but most pointedly justification.

A bumper sticker asking if one has found salvation

Salvation, according to most denominations, is believed to be a process that begins when a person first becomes a Christian, continues through that person's life, and is completed when they stand before Christ in judgment. Therefore, according to Catholic apologist James Akin, the faithful Christian can say in faith and hope, "I have been saved; I am being saved; and I will be saved."[19]

Christian salvation concepts are varied and complicated by certain theological concepts, traditional beliefs, and dogmas. Scripture is subject to individual and ecclesiastical interpretations. While some of the differences are as widespread as Christianity itself, the overwhelming majority agrees that salvation is made possible by the work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, dying on the cross.

The purpose of salvation is debated, but in general most Christian theologians agree that God devised and implemented his plan of salvation because he loves them and regards human beings as his children. Since human existence on Earth is said to be "given to sin,"[20] salvation also has connotations that deal with the liberation[21] of human beings from sin, and the sufferings associated with the punishment of sin—i.e., "the wages of sin are death."[22]

Christians believe that salvation depends on the grace of God. Stagg writes that a fact assumed throughout the Bible is that humanity is in, "serious trouble from which we need deliverance…. The fact of sin as the human predicament is implied in the mission of Jesus, and it is explicitly affirmed in that connection." By its nature, salvation must answer to the plight of humankind as it actually is. Each individual's plight as a sinner is the result of a fatal choice involving the whole person in bondage, guilt, estrangement, and death. Therefore, salvation must be concerned with the total person. "It must offer redemption from bondage, forgiveness for guilt, reconciliation for estrangement, renewal for the marred image of God."[23]

Latter-Day Saints

Main article: Plan of salvation (Latter Day Saints)

According to doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the plan of salvation is God's plan to save, redeem, and exalt all humankind who chose, either in this life, or in the world of spirits of the dead, to accept the grace of Jesus Christ by exercising faith in Him, repenting of their sins, and by making and keeping sacred covenants (including baptism). Since the vast majority of God's children depart this life without that opportunity, Christ's gospel is preached to the unbelieving spirits in spirit prison (1 Peter 3: 19) so that they might be judged by the same standards as the living and live by following God in their spirit form (1 Peter 4: 6). If they accept Christ, sincerely repent of their sins, and accept ordinances done on their behalf, they can, by the grace of Christ, receive salvation on the same terms as the living. For this reason, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do vicarious work for the dead in sacred temples. The elements of this plan are drawn from various sources, including the Bible,[24] Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and numerous statements made by the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Islam

See also: Islam and Jannah

In Islam, salvation refers to the eventual entrance to Paradise. Islam teaches that people who die disbelieving in Islam do not receive salvation. Those who die believing in the one God and His message (Islam) receive salvation.[25]

Narrated Anas, that The Prophet said:

Whoever said "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a barley grain will be taken out of Hell. And whoever said: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a wheat grain will be taken out of Hell. And whoever said, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of an atom will be taken out of Hell.

— Sahih al-Bukhari 44

Islam teaches that all who enter into Islam must remain so in order to receive salvation.

Whoever seeks a way other than Islam, it will never be accepted from them, and in the Hereafter they will be among the losers.

— Surah Al Imran 3:85

For those who have not been granted Islam or to whom the message has not been brought:[26]

Indeed, the believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabians—whoever ˹truly˺ believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good will have their reward with their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.

— Surah Al-Baqara 2:62

Tawhid

See also: Tawhid and Shirk (Islam)

Belief in the "One God", also known as the Tawhid (التَوْحيدْ) in Arabic, consists of two parts (or principles):

Tawḥīdu r-Rubūbiyya (Arabic: تَوْحيدُ الرُبوبِيَّة): Believing in the attributes of God and attributing them to no other but God. Such attributes include Creation, having no beginning, and having no end. These attributes are what make a God. Islam also teaches no less than 99 names for God, and each of these names defines one attribute. One breaks this principle, for example, by believing in an Idol as an intercessor to God. The idol, in this case, is thought of having powers that only God should have, thereby breaking this part of Tawheed. No intercession is required to communicate with, or worship, God.[27]

Tawḥīdu l-'ulūhiyya (Arabic: تَوْحيدُ الأُلوهيَّة) : Directing worship, prayer, or deed to God, and God only. For example, worshiping an idol or any saint or prophet is also considered Shirk.

Sin and repentance

See also: Repentance, Repentance in Islam, and Islamic views on sin

Islam also stresses that in order to gain salvation, one must also avoid sinning along with performing good deeds. Islam acknowledges the inclination of humanity towards sin.[28][29] Therefore, Muslims are constantly commanded to seek God's forgiveness and repent. Islam teaches that no one can gain salvation simply by virtue of their belief or deeds, instead it is the Mercy of God, which merits them salvation, as we have to know that by the mercy of god we are doing the good deeds and we are believing in God. However, repentance must not be used to sin any further. Islam teaches that God is Merciful.

Allah only accepts the repentance of those who commit evil ignorantly ˹or recklessly˺ then repent soon after—Allah will pardon them. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

— Surah An-Nisa 4:17

Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him ˹in worship˺, but forgives anything else of whoever He wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has indeed committed a grave sin.

— Surah An-Nisa 4:48

Islam describes a true believer to have Love of God and Fear of God. Islam also teaches that every person is responsible for their own sins. The Quran states;

If you disbelieve, then ˹know that˺ Allah is truly not in need of you, nor does He approve of disbelief from His servants. But if you become grateful ˹through faith˺, He will appreciate that from you. No soul burdened with sin will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you of what you used to do. He certainly knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart.

— Surah Az-Zumar 39:7

Al-Agharr al-Muzani who was from amongst the Companions of Allah's Apostle reported that Ibn 'Umar stated to him that Allah's Messenger said:

O people, seek repentance from Allah. Verily, I seek repentance from Him a hundred times a day.

— Sahih Muslim 2702b

Sin in Islam is not a state, but an action (a bad deed); Islam teaches that a child is born sinless, regardless of the belief of his parents, dies a Muslim; he enters heaven, and does not enter hell.[30]

Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet said, "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and receive good news because one's good deeds will not make him enter Paradise." They asked, "Even you, O Allah's Messenger?" He said, "Even I, unless and until Allah bestows His pardon and Mercy on me."

— Sahih al-Bukhari 6467

Five Pillars

Main article: Five Pillars of Islam

Islam is built on five principles, acts of worship that Islam teaches to be mandatory. Not performing the mandatory acts of worship may deprive Muslims of the chance of salvation.[31] According to Ibn 'Umar, Muhammad said that Islam is based on the following five principles:[32]

To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger.

To offer the compulsory prayers dutifully and perfectly.

To pay Zakat to poor and needy (i.e. obligatory charity of 2.5% annually of surplus wealth).

To perform Hajj (i.e. pilgrimage to Mecca).

To observe fast during the month of Ramadhan.

Indian religions

Main articles: Moksha, Nirvana, and Enlightenment in Buddhism

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism share certain key concepts, which are interpreted differently by different groups and individuals.[33] In these religions one is not liberated from sin and its consequences, but from the saṃsāra (cycle of rebirth) perpetuated by passions and delusions and its resulting karma.[34] They differ however on the exact nature of this liberation.[34]

Salvation is always self-attained in Indian religions, and a more appropriate term would be moksha('liberation')[34] or mukti ('release'). This state and the conditions considered necessary for its realization is described in early texts of Indian religion such as the Upanishads and the Pāli Canon, and later texts such the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Vedanta tradition.[35] Moksha can be attained by sādhanā, literally 'means of accomplishing something'.[36] It includes a variety of disciplines, such as yoga and dhyana (meditation).

Nirvana is the profound peace of mind that is acquired with moksha. In Buddhism and Jainism, it is the state of being free from suffering. In Hindu philosophy, it is union with the Brahman (Supreme Being). The word literally means 'blown out' (as in a candle) and refers, in the Buddhist context, to the blowing out of the fires of desire, aversion, and delusion,[37][38] and the imperturbable stillness of mind acquired thereafter.[37]

In Theravada Buddhism the emphasis is on one's own liberation from samsara.[38] The Mahayanatraditions emphasize the bodhisattva path,[38] in which "each Buddha and Bodhisattva is a redeemer," assisting the Buddhist in seeking to achieve the redemptive state.[39] The assistance rendered is a form of self-sacrifice on the part of the teachers, who would presumably be able to achieve total detachment from worldly concerns, but have instead chosen to remain engaged in the material world to the degree that this is necessary to assist others in achieving such detachment.[39]

Jainism

Main article: Moksha (Jainism)

In Jainism, salvation, moksha, and nirvana are one and the same.[40][41] When a soul (atman) achieves moksha, it is released from the cycle of births and deaths, and achieves its pure self. It then becomes a siddha ('one who has accomplished his ultimate objective'). Attaining Moksha requires annihilation of all karmas, good and bad, because if karma is left, it must bear fruit.

Taoism

While early Taoism had no understanding of the concept of salvation, later in Taoist history, salvation became a major part of beliefs about it.[42] Things one could do to be saved was to pray, offer sacrifices, and/or become a xian (Chinese: 仙; pinyin: Xiān) immortal.[42]

No matter the religion, - Taoism, Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism, or even some versions of Christianity - it all comes down to whether one is

1. DOING good works to be accepted by God (or achieve the intended goal) or

2. HUMBLY ASKING FOR God's Mercy and being accepted by God UNTO doing good works.

Nevertheless, ALL of this is the WRONG DEFINITION of "Salvation!" This is really all about one's JUSTIFICATION before God for His acceptance!

--

"Judaism" hints at the right definition of "Salvation" when it is said above,

"The Jewish concept of Messiah visualises the return of the prophet Elijah as the harbinger of one who will redeem the world from war and suffering, leading mankind to universal brotherhood under the fatherhood of one God."

and,

"In the biblical text of Psalms, there is a description of death, when people go into the earth or the "realm of the dead" and cannot praise God." 

and,

By origin and nature, Judaism is an ethnic religion. Therefore, salvation has been primarily conceived in terms of the destiny of Israel as the elect people of Yahweh (often referred to as "the Lord"), the God of Israel. The first reference to resurrection is collective in Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones, when all the Israelites in exile will be resurrected. There is a reference to individual resurrection in the Book of Daniel.[10] It was not until the 2nd century BCE that there arose a belief in an afterlife, in which the dead would be resurrected and undergo divine judgment. Before that time, the individual had to be content that his posterity continued within the holy nation."

The problem is that they have added,

"The Messiah is not considered as a future divine or supernatural being but as a dominating human influence in an age of universal peace, characterised by the spiritual regeneration of humanity."

(So, they can believe in the literal "return of the prophet Elijah," but they can't accept the coming of a physical, literal Messiah?! It's AMAZING to me how deeply they've been blinded to their Messiah, who is really GOD'S Messiah!)

It's also noted that ... 

"The Pharisees maintained that after death, the soul is connected to God UNTIL THE MESSIANIC ERA when it is rejoined with the body in the land of Israel at the time of resurrection."

So, the P'rushiym ("Separatists," "Pharisees") KNEW the truth, but would not acknowledge God's Messiah when He was RIGHT THERE!

Also, under the subtitle, "Christianity," "salvation" is more truthfully described:

"The Bible presents salvation in the form of a story that describes the outworking of God's eternal plan to deal with the problem of human sin. The story is set against the background of the history of God's people and reaches its climax in the person and work of Christ. The Old Testament part of the story shows that people are sinners by nature, and describes a series of covenants by which God sets people free and makes promises to them. His plan includes the promise of blessing for all nations through Abraham and the redemption of Israel from every form of bondage. God showed his saving power throughout Israel's history, but he also spoke about a Messianic figure who would save all people from the power, guilt, and penalty of sin. This role was fulfilled by Jesus, who will ultimately destroy all the devil's work, including suffering, pain, and death."

However, once again, "Christ" is the "Messiah of God to be Israel's King," and "salvation" is confused with "justification," looking at "salvation" as though it was a PERSONAL, INDIVIDUAL matter with each person instead of a COLLECTIVE, NATIONAL matter with the nation of Israel, particularly, the children of Israel, and further with the children of Yhudah ("Judah"), the JEWS, the tribe of Yeeshuwa!

[Retrobyter]

Shalom to any and all readers.

I heard it again today! Someone said, "Jesus is the King of the Universe!" Actually, that's not true. His FATHER, YHWH God, is the King of the Universe. He is destined to be the King of the earth, or the King of the world (human society upon the earth). However, He hasn't yet BEGUN to reign!

While we can - as His FUTURE subjects - OWN Him as our King right now, He has not yet begun His Kingdom. Yeeshuwa` said within His Olivet Discourse,

Matthew 25:31 (KJV)

31 "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: ..."

And, we also read,

Luke 19:11-15ff (KJV)

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore,

"A certain nobleman (speaking of Himself) went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them,

"'Occupy (Trade) till I come.'

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying,

"'We will not have this [man] to reign over us!'

15 "And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. ..."

Just because He is currently sitting with His Father upon His dais, that does NOT mean that He is currently reigning!

Instead, Yeeshuwa` ("Jesus") told us that ...

John 14:1-3 (KJV)

1 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also."

Once again, notice, however, that He did NOT say He was taking us there! That is SO OFTEN assumed, but the truth is that Yeeshuwa` NEVER SAID THAT! To the contrary, He said, "I will COME AGAIN, and receive you unto myself!" And, where will He BE when He "comes again?" He will be RIGHT HERE, BACK ON PLANET EARTH! So, if He receives them "unto Himself," then they would be gathered to Him right here on the earth! NOWHERE in the above verses does it even HINT that He would be taking them off-world to some "Heaven!"

And, to "drop the other shoe," John told us,

Revelation 21:1-4 (KJV)

1 "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven (the throne) saying,

"'Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.'"

The word translated as "of heaven" is "ouranou" meaning "of-[the]=sky."

The word "tabernacle" is the Greek word "σκηνὴ" or "skeenee'," and the word means a "tent." It's the same word (in the plural) that was used in Hebrews 11:9:

Hebrews 11:8-10 (KJV)

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles (Greek: σκηναῖς or "skeenais'," dative, plural, feminine) with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.

So, the "tents" that AVraham ("Abraham") called "home" was His HOUSE! So, it can be argued that "house of God," or Yeeshuwa`s "Father's house," will be this New Jerusalem that descends from God out of the sky. I would also venture to say that the "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God," IS "the New Jerusalem!" The New Jerusalem is said to have such foundations in Revelation 21:14, 19-20!

Revelation 21:14, 19-20 (KJV)

14 "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
...

19 "And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst."

And, this word in Revelation 21:14, the Greek word "θεμελίους" of "themeli'ous," is the same as used in Hebrews 11:10, θεμελίους or "themeli'ous!"

This sews it up quite nicely; the New Jerusalem IS Yeeshuwa`s "Father's house!"

We don't go TO His House; His House COMES HERE, to the NEW Earth, that is!