Salvation
Following the mistake made by Adam and Eve, which led to evil entering the world, God offered salvationThe healing of a broken relationship between people and God.. This means human souls can be saved from eternal punishment (or separation from God) and are allowed to enter Heaven (and be in the presence of God).
In order for this salvation to happen, God set a process in motion:
- God gave his only son, Jesus, so that all humans could be saved.
- Jesus was a perfect human - he had no sin.
- God placed the sins of the world upon him at his crucifixion.
- Jesus鈥 actions meant that there was reconciliationA return to friendly relations. between God and humanity - his death atoned or made up for human sin.
Christians believe that this process shows how loving God is as he gave his only son to save humanity. It also shows that he is able to forgive humans.
There are several different ways to achieve salvation.
Salvation through law
Some Christians believe that people can achieve salvation by following God鈥檚 teachings and carrying out good deeds that will please God. An example is caring for those who are less fortunate or giving to charity.
Salvation through grace
Grace is the unconditional love that God has for everyone. Salvation does not need to be earned. Instead, it can be achieved by believing in God and his son Jesus Christ.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith 鈥 it is the gift of God.
Salvation through spirit
The Holy SpiritThe third person of the Trinity. Active as God's presence and power in the world. helps Christians to follow the teachings of God, and God recognises that everyone will sin but that they will turn to God in repentance (Acts 20:21). This means that, despite sinning, humans will try to make amends and ask for forgiveness by agreeing that God exists.
Question
Why was Jesus able to take away the sins of the world?
He had no sin, as he was a perfect human.