> Humanity has long pondered how we are redeemed—made right with God and assured of eternal life. The Bible addresses several common perspectives, some of which have gained traction inside and outside Christian circles. Here, we explore these views of salvation, offering practical illustrations, and examine each in light of Scripture.
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1. Universalism
Definition: Universalism is the belief that all people will ultimately be saved, regardless of faith or conduct.
Example:
Sarah considers herself spiritual but not religious. She believes everyone—whether Christian, Muslim, atheist or otherwise—will end up in heaven because, she argues, “A loving God wouldn’t let anyone go to hell.”
Biblical Assessment:
While Scripture affirms God’s loving desire for all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4), it also states plainly that not all will be. Jesus described a “narrow gate” leading to life and a “wide gate” leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). John 3:36 declares, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” Universalism, then, contradicts the biblical teaching on judgment and salvation conditioned upon faith in Christ.
2. Self-Righteousness
Definition: This view suggests one can be redeemed by personal moral effort or goodness.
Example:
John attends church sporadically but is proud of his record as a “good person.” He avoids crime, volunteers regularly, and sees no need for a savior. “I’m sure God will accept me because I’ve done my best to help others,” he insists.
Biblical Assessment:
Scripture unequivocally rejects self-righteousness. Isaiah 64:6 says, “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Paul emphasizes, “By works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20). Titus 3:5 summarizes succinctly: “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy.” Salvation is not earned by our merit.
3. Redemption through Any Religious Practice or Belief
Definition: This view sees all sincere religious paths as leading to God.
Example:
Priya practices her family’s traditional faith and attends temple, but also attends her Christian friend’s church on occasion. She believes it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere. “All religions are just different ways up the same mountain,” she says.
Biblical Assessment:
The Bible makes an exclusive claim for Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Acts 4:12 declares: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Sincerity or religious variety does not lead to redemption; only faith in Christ does.
4. Faith in Christ Plus Self
Definition: This perspective holds that both faith in Christ and our works are necessary for redemption.
Example:
Maria believes in Jesus and attends church faithfully. Yet she also feels she must maintain her standing with God through constant charitable works and strict rule-following. If she fails, she fears she might lose her salvation. “It’s faith, but also keeping up with good deeds that saves me,” she explains.
Biblical Assessment:
Paul warns against adding to faith in Christ: “If righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose” (Galatians 2:21). Salvation is “by grace… through faith—not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). While genuine faith leads to good works, those works are the result—not the means—of redemption (Ephesians 2:10).
5. Faith in Christ Alone with No Life Change (“Dead Faith”)
Definition: This view professes faith but no transformed life or obedience follows.
Example:
Tom calls himself a Christian and believes Jesus died for his sins, but he sees no problem with continuing old patterns of dishonesty and selfishness, showing little concern for spiritual growth or serving others. “I know what I believe and that’s all that matters,” he shrugs.
Biblical Assessment:
James cautions, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Genuine faith inevitably brings about transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17), not perfection, but a new orientation and growth in holiness.
6. Faith in Christ Alone, With Life Change (“Living Faith”)
Definition: This biblical teaching affirms that we are saved by faith in Christ alone, resulting in a transformed life.
Example:
David trusted Christ for salvation while in college. Over time, his priorities shifted. Though not perfect, he grew in love for others, pursued holiness, forgave those who wronged him, and sought to serve God in daily life. His faith was evident in his changed attitudes and actions.
Biblical Assessment:
Salvation comes “by grace… through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9), not works. Yet, the evidence of saving faith is a changed life: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Paul describes how the Spirit produces fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus said, “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life” (John 5:24). This faith works itself out in love and good deeds (Galatians 5:6; James 2:22).
Conclusion
Our role in redemption is not about what we do, but who we trust.
Scripture teaches that redemption is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Yet this faith, if real, produces a changed life—evidence, not the cause, of our standing with God.
Key Scripture for Reflection:
- Ephesians 2:8–10
- Titus 3:5
- James 2:14–26
- John 14:6
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
May we rest in Christ’s finished work and live out the new life He imparts, to the glory of God.
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