The gospel is directly connected to another big word in the Bible: Salvation. As Paul says in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” It is the gospel, the good news of Jesus and His kingdom that brings salvation to those who believe and put their trust in Jesus.

But what is salvation? The Greek root word of salvation is sozo, which means to deliver from dire peril. It is a rescue from a dire circumstance. So let's ask ourselves three questions. What are we saved from, what are we saved to and who is responsible for our salvation? Understanding these three questions will help you appreciate the great gift of the gospel in your life. 

What are we saved from? Think of John 3:16.  “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.” Jesus came with the good news to save us from our lostness that results in eternal death and to give us eternal life. Salvation is a divine rescue from our lostness to a new life with Christ. The lostness entered the world in the fall. The price for our new life in Christ was the death of the Son of God to pay the price for our sin. 

If we are saved from eternal death, what are we saved to? Listen to what you are saved to - from Ephesians 1.  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.  And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Did you get all that? Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven. It is this full, amazing, life in Christ for now and for all eternity. 

Who gives this gift? It comes through Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the means of our salvation.

Father, I cannot even comprehend the gift of salvation. What you have saved me from and what you have saved me to. Help me live in thankfulness and in the destiny you have called me to. Amen.