Clicky

Examples of Salvation in the Bible: A Guide for Christians – Viral Believer
Skip to content

Examples of Salvation in the Bible: A Guide for Christians

Introduction

Salvation is one of the central themes in the Bible, referring to the deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences and the restoration of a right relationship with God.

Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of individuals or groups of people who experienced salvation in different ways. These examples offer guidance and encouragement for Christians as they navigate their own journeys of faith.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the most significant examples of salvation in the Bible. We will start with the Old Testament, where we will examine the salvation of Noah and his family, the salvation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and the salvation of Jonah from the belly of the whale.

We will then move on to the Gospels, where we will discuss the salvation of the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, and the thief on the cross.

From there, we will look at the Book of Acts, which provides examples of the salvation of the 3,000 on Pentecost, the Philippian jailer and his family, and Cornelius and his household. Finally, we will examine the Epistles, which provide insight into the nature of salvation and its availability to all people.

Whether you are a lifelong Christian or someone exploring the faith for the first time, the examples of salvation in the Bible offer guidance and encouragement.

By examining these examples, we can deepen our understanding of God’s love and grace and gain insight into how we can experience salvation in our own lives.

salvation in the Bible

Salvation in the Old Testament

One example of salvation in the Old Testament is the story of Noah and his family, as told in Genesis 6-9. God instructed Noah to build an ark because he was going to send a flood to destroy all living creatures on the earth because of their wickedness.

Noah and his family entered the ark with two of every kind of animal, and the flood came and covered the earth. After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah and promised never to destroy the earth by flood again. This example illustrates how obedience to God’s commands can lead to salvation.

Another example of salvation in the Old Testament is the salvation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as told in Exodus 12-14. God sent plagues to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

After the final plague, the Passover, Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave, but he later changed his mind and pursued them.

God parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, and then closed the sea over the Egyptians, destroying their pursuing army. This example illustrates how God can deliver his people from oppressive situations.

A third example of salvation in the Old Testament is the salvation of Jonah from the belly of the whale, as told in Jonah 1-2. God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach repentance to the people, but Jonah ran away instead.

While on a ship to Tarshish, a great storm came, and the sailors threw Jonah overboard to calm the sea. God sent a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he spent three days in its belly before being delivered onto dry land.

This example illustrates how even when we try to run away from God’s plan for our lives, he can still rescue us from danger and bring us back to his purpose.

Salvation in the Gospels

In the Gospels, there are several examples of salvation, including the salvation of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Jesus met the woman at a well and revealed to her that he was the Messiah.

She believed in him and went to tell her community, and many Samaritans believed in Jesus because of her testimony. This example illustrates how even those who are seen as outcasts or despised by society can still find salvation in Jesus.

Another example of salvation in the Gospels is the salvation of Zacchaeus in Luke 19. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a profession that was hated by the Jews. When Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see him.

Jesus noticed him and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house. Zacchaeus repented of his sins and promised to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay anyone he had cheated four times over. Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house.

This example illustrates how even those who are considered sinners can be saved when they turn to Jesus and repent of their sins.

A third example of salvation in the Gospels is the salvation of the thief on the cross in Luke 23. When Jesus was crucified, two thieves were also crucified alongside him. One of them mocked Jesus, but the other asked Jesus to remember him when he entered his kingdom.

Jesus promised him that he would be with him in paradise that very day. This example illustrates how even those who have lived a life of sin can still find salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Salvation in the Book of Acts

In the Book of Acts, there are also several examples of salvation. One of the most famous examples is the salvation of the 3,000 on Pentecost in Acts 2:38-41. After the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, Peter preached to the crowds, calling them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

About 3,000 people were saved that day and added to the church. This example illustrates the power of the Holy Spirit to convict people of sin and bring them to repentance.

Another example of salvation in the Book of Acts is the salvation of the Philippian jailer and his family in Acts 16:31-34. Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi when an earthquake shook the prison and opened all the doors.

The jailer was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped, but Paul and Silas assured him that they were all still there. The jailer asked what he needed to do to be saved, and they told him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The jailer and his family were saved that night and baptized. This example illustrates how even in the midst of difficult circumstances, salvation is available to those who believe in Jesus.

A third example of salvation in the Book of Acts is the salvation of Cornelius and his household in Acts 10:43-48. Cornelius was a Gentile and a centurion in the Roman army. God sent an angel to tell him to send for Peter, who was staying in Joppa.

When Peter arrived, he preached the gospel to Cornelius and his household, and they were all saved and baptized. This example illustrates how salvation is not just for the Jews but for all people, regardless of their nationality or social status.

Salvation in the Epistles

The Epistles also provide examples of salvation, including salvation through faith in Jesus Christ in Romans 10:9-10. Paul wrote that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

This example emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Another example of salvation in the Epistles is salvation by grace through faith in Ephesians 2:8-9. Paul wrote that it is by grace that we have been saved through faith, and that salvation is not a result of our own works so that no one can boast.

This example illustrates that salvation is a free gift from God, given to us through faith in Jesus Christ.

A third example of salvation in the Epistles is the salvation of the Gentiles in Acts 15:11. Peter declared that we are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, just as the Gentiles are. This example emphasizes that salvation is available to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity.

Conclusion

The examples of salvation in the Bible offer hope and guidance to Christians as they navigate their own journeys of faith.

From the obedience of Noah and the deliverance of the Israelites to the forgiveness of the thief on the cross and the grace of the Epistles, these examples illustrate that salvation is available to all people who believe in Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we can draw strength and inspiration from these examples, knowing that we too, can experience salvation through faith in Jesus. We can trust in God’s love and grace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and we can be confident that he will never leave us or forsake us.

As we reflect on these examples of salvation, let us be encouraged to continue walking in faith and trusting in God’s plan for our lives.

Let us seek to share the message of salvation with others, just as the disciples did on Pentecost and throughout the Book of Acts. And let us give thanks for the gift of salvation that we have received through faith in Jesus Christ, knowing that it is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.