Salvation (Christianity) facts for kids
In Christianity, salvation means being saved from sin and its results. Christians believe this happens because of Jesus Christ. They believe Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and then rose from the dead.
This is why Good Friday, the day Christians remember Jesus' death, is called "Good." Easter celebrates His resurrection. It is the most important Christian holiday. Christians believe Jesus made it possible for all people to be close to God. This is for anyone who chooses to accept Him.
Contents
Three Steps to Salvation
Many Christian writers explain that Jesus saves people in three main ways. These steps often happen over time.
Justification: Forgiveness of Sins
Justification means that God has forgiven all our sins. This forgiveness is based on Jesus dying in our place. It becomes real for a person when they put their trust and faith in Jesus.
Sanctification: Living a Good Life
Sanctification means that we start to live a good life. We become more like Jesus. This process usually happens slowly over time. However, it can sometimes happen quickly.
Glorification: Life with God
Glorification means that when we die, or when Jesus returns to Earth, we will go to heaven. There, we will live with Him forever.
How Christians Receive Salvation
Different Christian groups have slightly different ideas about how salvation happens. However, they all agree on some key points. They all believe that Jesus' death and resurrection make salvation possible. They also agree that people must respond to God's offer of salvation.
Realizing the Need for Salvation
Before salvation can happen, a person must understand they need it. Christians believe the Holy Spirit helps people realize this. Some Christian thinkers, like Saint Augustine and John Wesley, called this "prevenient grace." This means God's grace comes before we even ask for it. The Catholic Church teaches that salvation "begins with the grace of God." This grace touches a person's heart and calls them to change. It is a free gift from God's love.
Hearing and Responding to the Gospel
A person who knows they need salvation must also know it is available. This happens when they hear the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus died and rose again. It promises eternal life to those who believe in Him.
After hearing this message, the person believes it and responds. Different Christian groups see this response in various ways:
- Some churches, like Catholic and Orthodox churches, believe Baptism is the required response.
- Other Protestants suggest saying a prayer. This prayer asks Jesus to come into their heart or life.
- In some American churches, people might go to the front of the church. This is a public way to show their faith.
Saint Paul wrote about the proper response in his letter to the Romans, Chapter 10, verse 9: "if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Christians believe this response brings about justification (forgiveness of sins). It also starts the process of sanctification.
Growing in Sanctification
Sanctification is also a work of God. Christians respond to this work by growing in their faith. Some churches believe sacraments are very important for this. This includes receiving the Mass (also called Communion) and confession. Other churches emphasize reading the Bible, praying, going to church, and telling others about Jesus.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
A 'Jesus Saves' neon cross sign outside a Protestant church in New York City.
See also
In Spanish: Salvación en el cristianismo para niños
