Save / Saved

The Greek word translated as “save” and also as “saved” is “sōzō” (#4982) (a verb). It means to save; it is used (as with the noun “soteria” (“salvation” #4991)) of deliverance, preservation.

1) This word refers to material and temporal deliverance from danger and apprehension; Matthew 8:25; Mark 13:20; Luke 23:35; John 12:27; 1 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 4:18 (KJV “preserve”); Jude 5; Matthew 9:22, “made…whole” (RV, marg., “saved”); Mark 5:34; Luke 8:48; James 5:15.

2) It also refers to a Spiritual Deliverance “from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2):

a) “To save”

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

This speaks of Christ’s mission to carry out the Ratification of the Covenant of Grace in His Atonement on the Cross.

b) “Saved”

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

These verses speak not of an experience by the sinner first; but they speak of a Position in Christ on the basis of His Atonement for their sin on the Cross (the same as Salvation). (See Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 1:21; Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3.)

The understanding of this Position of Salvation, or of being saved, comes in the Regeneration Process from quickening to birth, or conversion.

In the Regeneration Process, you must be quickened from the dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1); which is based on Ephesians 2:5, at the Cross (John 6:63). Repentance must be given, in light of the Law (Romans 7:7-14; Acts 5:31); the Law reveals you are a sinner in need of a Savior (Romans 3:20); which produces “godly sorrow” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

The Spirit of God begins to draw and teach (John 6:44-45); convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11); and points you to the judged Serpent on the pole (John 3:15; 12:32). That is, Christ, the Lamb of God (John 1:29), who became the sinner’s Substitute, Sacrifice, and Savior (2 Corinthians 5:21); whereby God was satisfied (Isaiah 53:1-12).

And then the Spirit of God brings you to confess Jesus Christ (God in the flesh) your Salvation, your Justification (Romans 10:9-10).

The moment of Confession is the final stage of the Birth. The entire process is in the Work and Power of the Spirit of God (John 3:3-8; Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 4:6-7; Titus 3:5).

Believing that Christ was and is your Substitute and Sacrifice is the result, not the requirement.

The Requirement was the Atonement of Christ on the Cross. (See Romans 3:24-25-; 5:1-21; 6:1-23; 8:1-16; 2 Timothy 1:9.)

1) Eternal Justification:

a) See 1 Peter 1:18-19; Ephesians 1:4-7; Romans 8:29-30

b) That is, in the Mind of God, in the Eternal Purpose in Christ Jesus – we were justified in His Sight in Christ, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world.

2) Judicial Justification:

a) This is a courtly term. That is, at Calvary, Jesus Christ was made sin for us. That is, He stood in our place before God, and received the punishment of sin for us (Isaiah 53:4-5).

b) Christ did this for His Seed (Isaiah 53:10-11) before we were even born (Romans 5:6-10):

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.” (Romans 5:7)

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5:9)

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)

God said He was “satisfied” with the Sacrifice of Christ (Isaiah 53:10-11). This is how His Seed was Justified before God. The song writer said, “Tis done, tis done. The transaction is done.” (See Hebrews 9:11-26; 10:1-22.) (See also John 1:29; Romans 3:24-25; 2 Corinthians 5:21.)

3) Experiential Justification

a) This is when the Holy Spirit comes and regenerates you; gives you a new nature; quickens you; opens your eyes and ears to see and hear Spiritual things of God; sheds the Love of God in your heart (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 5:11; Ephesians 2:1; John 6:63). And brings you to believe (trust and obey) the Word of God (Romans 10:9-10; John 1:11-12, 29; 3:3-8; 6:63; 1 Peter 1:21-25; Romans 10:17).

“Saved” is also used:

a) Of being preserved from the Judgment of God at His Second Coming (Romans 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-12; 2:13; Hebrews 1:14; 9:28; 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 3:15).

b) Of being preserved in the Great Tribulation for the Jews (Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13).

c) Of not losing this position at the Judgment (1 Corinthian’s 3:15; 5:5).