Topical Encyclopedia In Christian theology, the concept of salvation is central, encompassing the deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ. The saints, or believers, are often depicted in Scripture as waiting for the full realization of this salvation, which is both a present reality and a future hope.Biblical Foundation The New Testament frequently addresses the theme of waiting for salvation, emphasizing the tension between the "already" and the "not yet" aspects of redemption. Believers are considered saved through faith in Christ, yet they await the complete fulfillment of this salvation at the return of Jesus. 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." This passage highlights the anticipation of the saints for the redemption of their bodies, a future event that completes the salvation process initiated by faith. Philippians 3:20-21 : "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body." Here, the apostle Paul underscores the expectation of believers for the return of Christ, who will transform their mortal bodies, thus consummating their salvation. Hebrews 9:28 : "So also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him." This verse affirms the future aspect of salvation, which will be fully realized at Christ's second coming for those who are waiting for Him. Theological Implications The waiting for salvation by the saints is not passive but active, characterized by a life of faith, hope, and perseverance. This waiting involves a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God and the work of Christ. It is marked by a longing for the ultimate redemption and the establishment of God's kingdom in its fullness. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 : "For they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, our deliverer from the coming wrath." The Thessalonian believers are commended for their active waiting, which involves turning from idols and serving God while anticipating the return of Jesus. Practical Application The call to wait for salvation encourages believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, maintaining faithfulness and vigilance. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of the present world and the eternal glory that awaits. This anticipation fuels a life of holiness, service, and evangelism, as the saints seek to align their lives with the reality of the coming kingdom. James 5:7-8 : "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient until it receives the early and late rains. You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near." The exhortation to patience and heart-strengthening reflects the attitude of the saints as they await the culmination of their salvation, drawing strength from the assurance of Christ's imminent return. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 49:18I have waited for your salvation, O LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 3:26 Library Perseverance of the Saints Proved. Rejoicing Over Babylon's Destruction. Sovereignty and Salvation The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest. Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service The Translation of Living Believers. The Hope of the Redeemer's Return Christ's Humility Our Salvation. 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) |