Perhaps the most well-known biblical quotation is from the Gospel According to John, chapter 3, verse 16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” With these words, the New Testament clearly states that Jesus is the source of salvation, a proposition that is core to the Christian faith regardless of denomination or sect.

However, while the Church universally has affirmed Jesus as the means of salvation, historically Christianity has proposed various and contradictory understandings of the process of salvation.

Therefore these are the questions I and probably you ask regarding our salvation.

• How does Jesus save us?
• From what are we saved?
• And most perplexing, why did Jesus have to suffer and die?

Today’s topic will review historical and biblical research conducted by academic scholars that will challenge many popular assumptions and beliefs regarding salvation. My intent is not to convince anyone that what they believe is wrong, but to critically explore the diversity of beliefs within the global Church, and for each of us to determine for ourselves what we value and how we should conduct ourselves in the sacred interactions we call life.