God’s Simple Plan of Salvation
1 John 2:23-25
(23) Whoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
(24) Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
(25) And this is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life.
Jesus came to bring SALVATION.
SOZO is the original Greek word in the New Testament for SALVATION.
Definitions of SOZO:
4982. sozo sode’-zo: to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively); heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole
Romans 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Sozo).
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words says salvation denotes “deliverance, preservation; material and temporal deliverance from danger and apprehension.”
Example of Salvation in action:
Matthew 9:1-7 (American King James Version)
(1) And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
(2) And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said to the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; your sins be forgiven you.
(3) And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemes.
(4) And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Why think you evil in your hearts?
(5) For whether is easier, to say, Your sins be forgiven you; or to say, Arise, and walk?
(6) But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.
(7) And he arose, and departed to his house.
Another example of Salvation in action:
James 5:15-16 (American King James Version)
(15) And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
(16) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
And Finally…
Luke 23:39-43 (New King James Version)
(39) Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
(40) But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?
(41) And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”
(42) Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
(43) And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Like other subjects in the Bible, you can educate your head at the expense of your heart. Jesus kept things simple didn’t go out of his way to explain “theology” to his followers. His message was simple and God confirmed the truths He spoke with signs following (healing, deliverance, salvation, etc.)