A look at Salvation

Another word for enlightenment in Christianity is salvation. It is the act of being saved or protected from harm, risk, loss, destruction, or an act of healing that Jesus performed on many occasions according to the bible. 

The Hebrew words used to signify salvation, yasa (to save, help in distress, rescue, deliver, set free) it is most frequently used in the Old Testament.

In contrast, the employment of salvation in the New Testament usually signifies deliverance with special spiritual significance. In addition to the notion of deliverance the Bible also uses salvation to denote health, well-being, and healing.

The most common meaning of salvation is God's sovereign and gracious choice to be "God with us" in the person of Jesus Christ, who is described as both author and finisher of salvation ( Heb 2:10 ; 7:25 ). But the movement of Jesus' life goes through the cross and resurrection. It is therefore "Christ crucified" that is of central importance for salvation (1 Cor1:23), for "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor 15:3) and was handed to death for our trespasses (Rom 4:25).

Matthew 20:28 (KJV)

“28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many”.

In practical terms salvation became the overall word for the final healing that is experienced in life and after death that makes us right with God. Jesus healed, he mingled with all people. He did not ask what their religion was. He transformed many that were within his reach. He had no pre-requisites, but he told people to change their life style or repent.

In the New Testament there are three different passages. Some which point out, that salvation has already happened, some point out that salvation is in the process of happening, and there is a finality and future tense.

Example:

God has been pleased to reconcile all things to Himself.

Colossians 1:19-20 (KJV)

“19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell”;

“20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven”.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

“8 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”.

Romans 5:5 (KJV)

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

We need to recognize that well spring of the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 2 (KJV)

“2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them”.

Unfortunately in some of the Christian teachings, salvation or enlightenment is largely taught as an evacuation plan for the next world.

Instead religion needs to be taught in a manner that transforms people now so that they can experience God’s presence through the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.

We need to look at the deep present tense passages like

John 1:9 (KJV)

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Philippians 2:12 (KJV)

“12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”.

This is what keeps one on the journey.

Then there are future passages.

1 Corinthians 15:22 King James Version (KJV)

“22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive”.

On incarnation,

The incarnation did not begin with Jesus’ birth. The incarnation of Christ started the moment God decided to materialize; where we have the eternal Christ, the combination of matter and spirit.

An enlightenment experience must be observable. The people project a glow, they change in personality, and they also change others just by being who they are.

Unfortunately many Christians limit the Christ mission to their own vision. Few realize that Jesus’ mission continued beyond his incarnation. He showed that he is able to materialize his body at will in the world or on any other level of existence at any time. This is why He could say to his disciples;”Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world”. He immortalized His body as well as His spirit. Any true devotee can see him as Jesus Christ or know Him as one with the Infinite Christ. Saint Francis, born centuries after Jesus, used to see him every night. St. Teresa of Avila knew him as one with the Infinite Christ.

Some people are blessed with ultimate visions, where they can touch the body of Jesus and talk with him, just as truly as when he walked on earth. The intimately real sensation of touching the materialized form is not the same as contact with the gross matter of the incarnate form, but the realization of the true essence of the body as a combination of spiritual vibrations of Bliss impart a wondrous elevating sense of joy and blessings. Any sincere devotee can and should have an intimate relationship with the living Christ. Christ is now and forever, He is eternal. One can have a daily experience of His presence.

Romans 1:20 (KJV)

“20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse”.

Our knowledge of God is certainly partial at best, but we cannot plead complete ignorance. His creation reveals enough of Him to make a major difference in our lives.

For the invisible things of him - The expression “his invisible things” refers to those things which cannot be perceived by the senses. It does not imply that there are any things pertaining to the divine character which may be seen by the eye; but that there are things which may be known of him, though not discoverable by the eye. We judge of the objects around us by the senses, the sight, the touch, and hearing.

We have examined Enlightenment from a Christian Perspective, stated that Mysticism is the belief that union with or absorption into the Deity or the Absolute is possible. We have said, that the

Eastern Church, contemplation consisted not merely in negation and renunciation, but in a union with God's Spirit, in an experience of spiritual illumination

We have touched on, that experiencing the Holy Spirit is a feeling of inner peace and joy. We presented some of the teachings of Jesus and said that God is light, and in Him is no darkness and that we are “Ye are all the children of light”, and that Enlightenment in Christianity is also spoken of as salvation.

Our knowledge of God is certainly partial at best, but we cannot plead complete ignorance.