The concept of salvation is central to Christian theology and is considered one of the greatest privileges bestowed upon the saints. In the Christian faith, salvation is understood as the deliverance from sin and its consequences, achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. This divine gift is not earned by human effort but is granted by the grace of God, underscoring the profound privilege of having God as the source of salvation.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently affirms that salvation is a work of God, initiated and completed by Him. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1). This verse highlights the personal relationship between the believer and God, emphasizing that God Himself is the source of salvation and protection.

In the New Testament, the theme of salvation through Jesus Christ is further developed. The Apostle Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). This passage underscores the unmerited favor of God in granting salvation, emphasizing that it is a divine gift rather than a human achievement.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Central to the privilege of salvation is the role of Jesus Christ as the Savior. The Gospel of John records Jesus' words: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). This statement affirms that salvation is exclusively through Christ, who reconciles humanity to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

The Apostle Peter also affirms this truth, stating, "Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). This exclusivity highlights the unique privilege of those who have faith in Christ, as they are assured of their salvation through Him alone.

Assurance and Security

The privilege of having God for their salvation also includes the assurance and security that believers possess. Jesus promises eternal security to His followers, saying, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:28). This assurance provides comfort and confidence to the saints, knowing that their salvation is secure in the hands of the Almighty.

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul reassures believers of the unbreakable bond of God's love, writing, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). This passage emphasizes the steadfastness of God's love and the certainty of salvation for those who are in Christ.

Transformation and New Life

The privilege of salvation also entails a transformation and the promise of new life. The Apostle Paul describes this transformation, stating, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new life is characterized by a renewed relationship with God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in accordance with His will.

The saints are called to live out their salvation with reverence and obedience, as Paul exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). This call to action reflects the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers grow in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ.

Conclusion

The privilege of having God for their salvation is a profound and multifaceted blessing for the saints. It encompasses the assurance of eternal life, the security of God's unchanging love, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are granted the unparalleled privilege of being reconciled to God, experiencing the fullness of His grace and mercy.Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Perseverance of Saints.
... they enjoyed these great and high privileges, and counted ... a reception of them, or
against having too early ... them as a body of professed saints, some generations ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... real saints as certain, but represents many professed saints as having fallen, and ...
deception, in the matter of their profession, privileges, and experience. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
... election refer to nothing but external privileges or rank ... things, but signifies that
the saints were all ... Having reviewed some of the general principles which ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter four the sovereignty of.htm

God's People Delivered.
... out,"warnings despised, invitations refused, privileges slighted. ... and with the risen
saints are caught ... Having been partakers of Christ's sufferings, they are ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... out"warnings despised, invitations refused, privileges slighted. ... and with the risen
saints are caught ... Having been partakers of Christ's sufferings, they are ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... all of them do not enjoy the privileges, and do ... and strangers from the covenants
of promise, having no hope ... the blood of Christ."[537] The saints are described ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... After having received many visits from the angels ... administrators, and possess all
the privileges that other ... Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Philadelphia, we ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

"That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ...
... to Paul, "is profitable for all things, having the promise of ... by the exhortations
of any of the saints, as he ... to be a running allusion to the privileges of the ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ix that those grievously sin.htm

Of the Unity of the Godhead and the Trinity of Persons
... Having tasted how good this one self sufficient good is, it gladly and ... and glory,
so the great work of applying all these privileges to saints and making ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xiii of the unity.htm

The Basis of Union of the United Church of Canada.
... The Congregational and Methodist Churches having accepted the union ... with a right
to all the privileges therein implied ... for the upbuilding of the saints, and for ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/the basis of union of.htm

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