Salvation

Salvation in the Christian faith is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, brought about by faith in Jesus Christ. It is a central theme in the Bible, representing God's plan to redeem humanity and restore a broken relationship with Him. The concept of salvation encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification.

In the Old Testament, salvation often refers to deliverance from physical danger or oppression, as seen in the Exodus narrative where God delivers the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 14:13). However, the prophetic writings begin to reveal a deeper, spiritual aspect of salvation, pointing towards the coming Messiah who would bring ultimate redemption (Isaiah 53:5-6).

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of these prophecies. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for eternal salvation. As stated in Acts 4:12 , "Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." This underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the source of salvation.

Salvation is received by grace through faith, not by works, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This gift of salvation results in a transformed life, marked by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to follow Christ.

Glory

Glory in the biblical context refers to the manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and holiness. It is both an attribute of God and a state of honor and praise that believers are called to reflect. The Hebrew word "kabod" and the Greek word "doxa" are often translated as "glory," conveying the weightiness and splendor of God's character.

In the Old Testament, God's glory is often associated with His divine presence, as seen in the cloud and fire that led the Israelites (Exodus 13:21) and the glory that filled the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11). The Psalms frequently call for the worship of God's glory, as in Psalm 29:2 : "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness."

The New Testament reveals the glory of God most fully in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Believers are called to reflect this glory in their lives, as they are transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Power

Power in the biblical sense refers to the divine strength and authority of God, as well as the empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit. God's power is evident in creation, His sovereignty over history, and His ability to accomplish His purposes.

The Old Testament frequently highlights God's power in acts of deliverance and judgment. For example, Psalm 147:5 proclaims, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." God's power is also demonstrated in His ability to fulfill His promises, as seen in the lives of the patriarchs and the nation of Israel.

In the New Testament, the power of God is most clearly displayed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 1:4 states that Jesus "was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead." This same power is available to believers through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live victorious lives and fulfill the Great Commission (Acts 1:8).

Believers are encouraged to rely on God's power in their daily lives, as expressed in Philippians 4:13 : "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This divine empowerment is essential for spiritual growth, effective ministry, and overcoming the challenges of life.