The Experience of Salvation
Salvation is received as a person (1) repents before God for his sins and sinful
nature or inclinations, and (2) believes or has faith in the fact that the death
and resurrection (supernatural restoration to life) of Jesus Christ removes and
brings forgiveness for his sin. In response to placing faith in God's love and
freely given salvation, one experiences the washing of regeneration (or
spiritual rebirth), the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, and is declared
righteous (right with God). Regeneration, renewal, and justification (justified,
or made right with God) are words describing what happens at salvation. At the
moment of salvation, a person becomes heir to God's promised hope of eternal or
everlasting life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus
2:11, 3:5-7).
The Evidences of Salvation
The inner evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Holy Spirit giving
one the assurance that God has accepted him (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence,
visible to others, is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24;
Titus 2:12). In other words it is living a life totally committed and pleasing
to God.
Importance of this doctrine: The restoration of relationship between God and fallen mankind is the central message of the Bible. The entire story from Genesis through Revelation points to a God who loved fallen mankind so much that He gave His Son to die that those who believe in Jesus Christ and His work of providing salvation might have never-ending spiritual life. Every true Christian experiences salvation and becomes a new person in Christ. Without this doctrinal truth, all other doctrinal statements are empty and without meaning. More importantly, without this experience, one's life is empty and without real meaning.
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