Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept In the biblical context, "saving" refers to the act of deliverance from sin and its consequences, often associated with the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It encompasses both the spiritual and eternal aspects of being rescued from the power of sin and death. Old Testament Understanding The concept of saving in the Old Testament is often linked with God's deliverance of His people from physical danger or oppression. For example, in Exodus 14:13, Moses tells the Israelites, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today." Here, saving is depicted as God's intervention in human history to rescue His people. The Hebrew word often translated as "save" is "yasha," which conveys the idea of being set free or delivered. This is evident in passages like Psalm 18:2, where David declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." New Testament Understanding In the New Testament, the concept of saving takes on a more spiritual and eternal dimension. The Greek word "sōzō" is frequently used, meaning to save, deliver, or make whole. This is closely associated with the work of Jesus Christ, who is central to the New Testament's message of salvation. Jesus' mission is described in Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." This highlights the purpose of Christ's incarnation and ministry—to bring salvation to those who are spiritually lost. Salvation Through Faith The New Testament emphasizes that saving is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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 passage underscores the belief that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned by human effort. Role of Jesus Christ Jesus is central to the concept of saving in the New Testament. His sacrificial death and resurrection are the means by which salvation is made available to humanity. Romans 5:9-10 explains, "Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" Eternal Perspective The saving work of Christ is not only about deliverance from sin in this life but also concerns eternal life. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses, affirms this: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Practical Implications The concept of saving has practical implications for believers. It calls for a response of faith, repentance, and a transformed life. Acts 16:31 instructs, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." This indicates that saving is accessible to all who place their trust in Christ. Conclusion While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that the biblical concept of saving is deeply rooted in the character and actions of God, culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is a central theme that offers hope and assurance of eternal life to believers. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Save.2. (a.) Preserving; rescuing. 3. (a.) Avoiding unnecessary expense or waste; frugal; not lavish or wasteful; economical; as, a saving cook. 4. (a.) Bringing back in returns or in receipts the sum expended; incurring no loss, though not gainful; as, a saving bargain; the ship has made a saving voyage. 5. (a.) Making reservation or exception; as, a saving clause. 6. (participle) With the exception of; except; excepting; also, without disrespect to. 7. (n.) Something kept from being expended or lost; that which is saved or laid up; as, the savings of years of economy. 8. (n.) Exception; reservation. Greek 4992. soterios -- saving, bringing salvation ... saving, bringing salvation. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: soterios Phonetic Spelling: (so-tay'-ree-on) Short Definition: saving, bringing salvation ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4992.htm - 7k 3924. parektos -- in addition, except 1508. ei me -- if not 4991. soteria -- deliverance, salvation 4982. sozo -- to save 4047. peripoiesis -- preservation, acquisition Strong's Hebrew 3469. Yishi -- "saving," four Israelites... "saving," four Israelites. Transliteration: Yishi Phonetic Spelling: (yish-ee') Short Definition: Ishi. Word Origin from yasha Definition "saving," four Isr. ... /hebrew/3469.htm - 6k 4190. moshaah -- saving acts 3444. yeshuah -- salvation 3468. yesha -- deliverance, rescue, salvation, safety, welfare 2421a. chayah -- to live Library Saved by Saving. Saving the Life. The Work of Soul-Saving Saving Faith. Faith the Sole Saving Act. God's Method of Saving. The Less of Life; and the Saving of It. O Saving victim, Opening Wide Saving Faith Saved and Saving. Thesaurus Saving (37 Occurrences)... & vb. n.) of Save. 2. (a.) Preserving; rescuing. 3. (a.) Avoiding unnecessary expense or waste; frugal; not lavish or wasteful; economical; as, a saving cook. ... /s/saving.htm - 18k Faith (769 Occurrences) Save (375 Occurrences) Savior (60 Occurrences) Unchangeableness (1 Occurrence) Unchangeable (4 Occurrences) Disturbed (30 Occurrences) Despair (23 Occurrences) Salvation (386 Occurrences) Perdition (14 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about saving for retirement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about saving money? | GotQuestions.org What is saving grace? | GotQuestions.org Saving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Saving (37 Occurrences)Matthew 5:32 Luke 4:27 Acts 2:47 Acts 27:43 1 Corinthians 1:18 1 Corinthians 16:2 2 Corinthians 2:15 Titus 2:11 Hebrews 10:39 Hebrews 11:7 Jude 1:5 Revelation 2:17 Genesis 19:19 Genesis 50:20 1 Samuel 11:3 1 Samuel 12:7 1 Samuel 14:6 1 Samuel 14:39 Nehemiah 4:23 Psalms 20:6 Psalms 22:1 Psalms 28:8 Psalms 40:10 Psalms 42:5 Psalms 42:11 Psalms 67:2 Psalms 69:13 Psalms 78:22 Psalms 88:12 Ecclesiastes 5:11 Isaiah 45:21 Isaiah 59:1 Jeremiah 30:10 Jeremiah 46:27 Amos 9:8 Micah 6:5 Zechariah 8:7 Subtopics Related Terms Unchangeableness (1 Occurrence) |