Romans 1:16-17 Unto Salvation Part 2

Published: 20 December 2016

By Bryce Lowrance

http://harmonypb.org/grace-plus-nothing/2016/dec/20/romans-116-17-unto-salvation-part-2/

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

When interpretting the word "save" in the Bible, remember to always ask yourself the following"

Who is being saved? Who is doing the saving? From what are they being saved? To what are they being saved?

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1st Timothy 4:16)

Is Paul saying that, if Timothy continues to believe the doctrine that he will save himself and other people from hell to heaven? Certainly not. Contextually, Paul is telling Timothy to maintain good works and continue in the proper method of worship (godliness). Paul is showing him how to save himself and others from errors in worship.
“Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2nd Timothy 2:10)

If we believed that this text is referring solely to eternal salvation, then Paul is saying that he is the effective cause of eternal salvation for the elect because he endured hardship. This is preposterous. What is actually being said here is quite amazing. Paul is wanting the elect (people who are already secure in Christ because of election) to obtain the salvation of gospel knowledge and true hope in the finished work of Jesus Christ. He wants the elect to have this “along with” eternal glory.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Of the five verses I have mentioned, this is the only one that refers solely to eternal salvation. The name Jesus means that He (Jesus) SHALL save His people (the elect) from their sins to heaven. The elect are saved and Jesus did it all!