Salvation is not earned — it is the free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
The doctrine of salvation reveals the heart of the Gospel — how a holy God redeems sinful man through the finished work of His Son. Salvation is not a reward for the righteous but a rescue for the guilty. Every step — from conviction to justification — is by grace through faith, not by works.
This page is part of our complete Statement of Faith. The doctrine of salvation cannot include compromise in any way at any time. We stand strong on this doctrine.
Ephesians 2:8–9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
1. Salvation Originates with God
Man did not seek God — God sought man. The doctrine of salvation begins in the heart of the Father, accomplished by the Son, and applied by the Holy Ghost.
Grace is not God helping those who help themselves; grace is God saving those who cannot help themselves.
Jonah 2:9
Salvation is of the Lord.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Salvation is fully of God — planned by the Father, purchased by the Son, and performed by the Spirit.
2. Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith
The doctrine of salvation teaches that eternal life is received the moment one believes on Jesus Christ alone.
Faith is not a work but trust — relying entirely on what Jesus did, not what we can do.
Acts 16:30–31
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Romans 4:5
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
To add works to faith is to corrupt the Gospel. The doctrine of salvation does not add works in any way, shape, or form before, during, or after salvation at any time. Grace ceases to be grace the moment it depends on performance.
3. Salvation Is Through the Blood of Christ
Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse sin. His death was substitutionary — He took our place, bore our punishment, and paid our debt in full.
No other name, sacrifice, or religion can save.
1 Peter 1:18–19
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Romans 5:8–9
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
The Doctrine of the Blood is inseparable from salvation — without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.
4. The Doctrine of Salvation Is Eternal and Secure
When a person believes on Christ, they receive everlasting life — not temporary probation.
The gift of eternal life cannot be lost, revoked, or undone.
Our security rests in God’s promise, not our performance.
John 10:28–29
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Romans 8:38–39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Doctrine of Eternal Security assures believers of unbreakable salvation.
5. Salvation Produces New Life
While salvation is not of works, it produces transformation. The believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, sealed unto redemption, and called to live in newness of life. This change is not to earn salvation but because salvation is real.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The Doctrine of the Holy Ghost explains how God empowers believers to live out their faith.
Application and Affirmation
The doctrine of salvation is simple enough for a child to believe yet profound enough to silence the wisest scholar.
It is the centerpiece of all doctrine — the dividing line between death and life, lost and found, hell and heaven.
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
John 6:47
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Affirmation:
- Salvation is entirely of grace through faith in Christ.
- Jesus’ blood fully atoned for sin.
- Eternal life begins the moment of belief.
- Salvation cannot be lost or undone.
- Every believer is a new creature in Christ.
