Topical Encyclopedia In Christian theology, salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, brought about by faith in Jesus Christ. It is a central theme in the Bible, and the saints—those who are set apart for God—are depicted as longing for this ultimate redemption and union with God.Biblical Foundation The longing for salvation is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where the saints express a profound desire for God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises. This yearning is not merely for personal redemption but also for the consummation of God's kingdom. Old Testament Anticipation The Old Testament is replete with expressions of longing for salvation. The psalmists often cry out for God's deliverance, reflecting a deep-seated hope in His saving power. For instance, in Psalm 119:81, the psalmist declares, "My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word" . This verse captures the intense desire for God's intervention and the fulfillment of His promises. The prophets also echo this longing. Isaiah speaks of a future salvation that will be revealed, saying, "And it will be said in that day: 'Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation'" (Isaiah 25:9). Here, the anticipation of salvation is tied to the coming of the Lord and the establishment of His kingdom. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the longing for salvation finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The saints' yearning is met with the reality of Christ's redemptive act. However, the New Testament also speaks of a future aspect of salvation, which the saints continue to long for—the return of Christ and the full realization of God's kingdom. The Apostle Paul articulates this dual aspect of salvation in Romans 8:23-25: "Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently" . Here, Paul acknowledges the present experience of salvation through the Spirit while expressing a longing for its future completion. The Saints' Experience Throughout the history of the Church, the saints have been characterized by their longing for salvation. This longing is not a passive waiting but an active anticipation that shapes their lives and actions. It is a hope that sustains them through trials and tribulations, as they look forward to the day when they will be fully united with Christ. The book of Revelation captures this longing in the vision of the saints crying out for God's justice and redemption: "They called out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?'" (Revelation 6:10). This cry reflects the deep desire for God's righteous judgment and the ultimate salvation of His people. Conclusion The longing for salvation is a defining characteristic of the saints, rooted in the biblical narrative and the hope of God's promises. It is a longing that looks back to the redemptive work of Christ and forward to the future consummation of His kingdom. This hope sustains and motivates the saints as they live in anticipation of the day when their salvation will be fully realized. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 119:81,174My soul faints for your salvation: but I hope in your word. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Praying Saints of the Old Testaments (Continued) Caph. What it is Not. Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation Rejoicing Over Babylon's Destruction. The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly Because to Make Our Rapture Dependent Upon Anything in us is to ... The Communion of Saints. Baxter -- Making Light of Christ and Salvation Salvation by Knowing the Truth Resources What is the plan of salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the steps to salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of 'faith alone' in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone? | GotQuestions.org Salvation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salvation is Deliverance From: Enemies Salvation is Deliverance From: Eternal Death Salvation is Deliverance From: Sin Salvation is Deliverance From: The Devil Salvation is Deliverance From: This Present Evil World Salvation is Deliverance From: Uncleanness Salvation is Deliverance From: Wrath Salvation is Far off from the Wicked Salvation is of the Appointment of God Salvation is of the Patience of God Salvation is of the Purpose of God Salvation is Through Faith in Christ Salvation of Israel, Predicted Salvation of the Gentiles, Predicted Salvation: All the Earth Shall See Salvation: Announced After the Fall Salvation: Came to the Gentiles Through the Fall of the Jews Salvation: Christ: Appointed For Salvation: Christ: Brings, With Him Salvation: Christ: Came to Effect Salvation: Christ: Died to Effect Salvation: Christ: Exalted to Give Salvation: Christ: Mighty to Effect Salvation: Christ: Raised up For Salvation: Christ: The Author of Salvation: Christ: The Captain of Salvation: Confession of Christ Necessary To Salvation: Final Perseverance Necessary To Salvation: from Generation to Generation Salvation: from Sin, to be Worked out With Fear and Trembling Salvation: God is Willing to Give Salvation: Godly Sorrow Works Repentance To Salvation: Illustrated by a Cup Salvation: Illustrated by a Helmet Salvation: Illustrated by a Horn Salvation: Illustrated by a Lamp Salvation: Illustrated by a Rock Salvation: Illustrated by a Shield Salvation: Illustrated by a Tower Salvation: Illustrated by a Victory Salvation: Illustrated by Chariots Salvation: Illustrated by Clothing Salvation: Illustrated by Typified by the Bronze Serpent Salvation: Illustrated by Walls and Bulwarks Salvation: Illustrated by Wells Salvation: Ministers are a Sweet Savour of Christ to God, in Those Who Obtain Salvation: Ministers: Give the Knowledge of Salvation: Ministers: should be Clothed In Salvation: Ministers: should Endure Suffering That the Elect May Obtain Salvation: Ministers: should Exhort To Salvation: Ministers: should Labour to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: should Use Self-Denial to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: Show the Way of Salvation: No Escape for Those Who Neglect Salvation: Preaching the Word is the Appointed Means of Salvation: Reconciliation to God, a Pledge of Salvation: Regeneration Necessary To Salvation: Revealed in the Gospel Salvation: Saints are Heirs of Salvation: Saints: Appointed to Obtain Salvation: Saints: Ascribe, to God Salvation: Saints: Beautified With Salvation: Saints: Clothed With Salvation: Saints: Commemorate, With Thanks Salvation: Saints: Daily Approach Nearer To Salvation: Saints: Earnestly Look For Salvation: Saints: Evidence, by Works Salvation: Saints: Have a Token of, in Their Patient Suffering for Christ Salvation: Saints: Have, Through Grace Salvation: Saints: Kept by the Power of God To Salvation: Saints: Praise God For Salvation: Saints: Pray for a Joyful Sense of Salvation: Saints: Pray for the Assurance of Salvation: Saints: Pray to be Visited With Salvation: Saints: Receive, As the End of Their Faith Salvation: Saints: Satisfied By Salvation: Saints: Welcome the Tidings of Salvation: Searched Into and Exhibited by the Prophets Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Earthly Power Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Idols Salvation: The Gospel is the Power of God To Salvation: The Heavenly Host Ascribe, to God Salvation: The Scriptures are Able to Make Wise To Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Salvation-having (1 Occurrence) |
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