The definition of the term "Salvation"

according to the Christian faith :

The preservation of the complete person as a

psychosomatic unity with the Holy Spirit

by the Rev.Metropolitan of Nafpaktos Hierotheos

Source: Segment of a transcripted homily on the topic

"The salvation of man according to John's Book of Revelation"

The matter of salvation has always preoccupied man, as far back as ancient times and until this day.  Many solutions have been suggested - depending on the philosophical and theological beliefs of each one who professes salvation and redemption. It was differently perceived by the philosophers, differently by the people of the Orient and of course differently by the Church. In this presentation, we will see how the Church perceives salvation... First of all, it must be said that the Greek term for 'salvation' is 'Sotiria' (Σωτηρia). The English word contains the particle 'salv' - as in 'salvage' - which means 'to save' Greek etymology similarly breaks down the term with the noun Σω- (self) and the root verb -τηρώ (preserve) which together imply "preserving the self" intact, complete... Salvation, therefore, of man is the preservation of his entire psychosomatic organism. In the Orthodox soteriological perception of the Church, 'salvation' is the preservation of the soul and the body, as well as the repletion of man by the All-Holy Spirit. It is in this context that we must view the wish and the exhortation of the Apostle Paul: 'May this God of peace sanctify you complete, and your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ' (1 Thessalonians 5:23). And this preservation of the whole person - that is, their salvation - is manifested by the power of Christ.  Indeed, with Christ, man is liberated from every tyranny and is rendered free. The devil has no power and authority over a person of Christ. Besides, it is known that "[...] it was for this that the Son of God appeared: to undo the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).                                                          ********************** (See also the analysis by Saint Irenaeus of Lyon [2nd century A.D.]: How man as the image of God becomes in the likeness by the Holy Spirit)   Translation A.N.

Article created on :24-5-2025

Last update on: 24-5-2025