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We very often hear the word salvation, or saved, in today's society, but do we really know what it means and what we have to do to attain it? Should we simply ignore the "fundamental" words and take them as clich, or, should we begin (if we already haven't) to listen to and explore the words "just in case" they are valid and important? Well, let us first take a close look at what is meant by the word salvation.

The New Testament refers to salvation as spiritual and eternal deliverance awarded by God to those who accept His conditions of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. What does this mean? Deliverance? Saved from what?

In the book of Genesis (the first book of the bible), the bible discusses the creation and purpose of mankind, and that we were created to be with God eternally. It also discusses how man (Adam and Eve) had a relationship with God, how man sinned, and how sin caused separation between God and man. Sin brought death to man; that is, spiritual death. However, man can now restore his relationship with God and be with him eternally once again. You'll see how as you read on.

In the Old Testament (The Hebrew Bible), certain animals were sacrificed and offered to God in order to reconcile when they sinned. This was done as commanded by God because, as the scriptures mention, the life was in the blood of the animal. Sin brings death and can be dealt with in God's plan only through that which represents life. This whole process of reconciliation is what is referred to as atonement (at-one-ment with God). However, this sacrifice was only temporary and needed to be repeated as sin continued. It is mentioned in the bible that there is a wrath to come upon us to eliminate those who are dead in their sins and do not have a relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ. But God still loved us so much that he gave his only son, Jesus, to believe in and follow, so that we have a chance not to perish and that we may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. On the cross, Jesus paid the price that he did not owe for our sins. He was the perfect sacrifice and his blood was shed to atone for our sins. He died once for all mankind. As a result of Jesus' atonement, the Old Testament Law (the Law of Moses) is no longer necessary for our salvation. So, the question is, "what are we saved from?" Those who believe in the one and only son, Christ

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