Unleashing Clarity: How Skillful Exegesis Unravels the Multifaceted Meaning of Salvation and Averts Misconceptions

More and more Bible readers are getting a revelation of the importance of contextual reading or the fancy technical term, Exegesis. Skillful exegesis means understanding the context in which the Bible was written, the intended meaning of specific words, and identifying the audience. Contextual bible reading or exegesis has proven to be critical in gaining a better understanding of biblical concepts. One of the most common examples where proper exegesis is absolutely crucial to avoid confusion is the word “salvation.”

For many people, when they read the word “salvation” or “save,” their minds immediately picture this to mean eternal salvation from hell and entry into heaven. But is that so in every case? Well, no, based on the fact that seven out of ten references to “salvation” in the New Testament relate to earthly salvation from things that threaten our lives during our time on earth.

This realization can completely change how one reads the Bible. For instance, when Jesus promised everlasting life, He required only one simple condition – faith in Him. This is abundantly clear in John 3:16, where Jesus says, “whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.”

When the word ‘salvation’ means something other than ‘saved from the lake of fire’ then you get a wrong understanding and some Bible verses will appear to imply that faith alone is not enough for salvation.

For instance, many people ask what Jesus meant in Matthew 24:13 when He said, “he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

In this verse, Jesus is referring to the Olivet Discourse, one of His significant sermons on prophetic teaching. Jesus is actually speaking about the end days, specifically the seven-year tribulation period. Realizing this, it becomes clear the “end” Jesus refers to is not the end of one’s life of good works, but the end of the tribulation.

By understanding the context, it becomes obvious that the salvation referred to in Matthew 24:13 is not eternal salvation, but salvation from the tribulation’s wrath. If someone endures to the end of the tribulation, they will be saved from it. We read in Matthew 24:22 that if the days of the tribulation were not shortened, no flesh would be saved.

But because of God’s mercy, the days will be shortened for the sake of the elect, which is Israel. The Book of Matthew often speaks to Israel, not to the church which did not exist yet.

Understanding the context of the word “salvation” and other biblical concepts is critical to avoid misunderstandings and misconceptions and have clarity. This is why skillful exegesis is so necessary when studying the bible.

It is important to read the Bible in context, and this can be done by studying the verses before and after, looking for other uses of the same word in the same context or book, and understanding the history, culture, and other meanings of the word, in the context in which it was written. By doing so, one can gain a better and deeper understanding of the Bible’s message.

With skillful exegesis, it becomes clear that in Matthew 24:13, Jesus is not saying that believers need to endure to the end of their lives to be saved. Rather, he is referring to the end of the tribulation period, and those who endure to the end will be saved from the wrath of that time.

This is just one example of how a misunderstanding of a biblical term can lead to misinterpretation of scripture. Our assumptions about certain terms, such as “salvation,” can cause us to miss important nuances in the text.

Skillful exegesis, reading the bible contextually, reveals that the word “salvation” is not always referring to eternal salvation from hell. In fact, in the Old Testament, all references to salvation are about being saved from earthly threats, such as enemies or illness. Many have been confused in this way and believed a false works-based gospel.

Examples of Salvation in the Old Testament

Exodus 14:13-14 – Salvation from Enemies

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

In this passage, the Israelites are trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army. Moses reassures them that God will provide salvation from their enemies and that they will be delivered from their pursuers.

Psalm 20:5-6 – Salvation from War

“We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfill all thy petitions. Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.”

In this psalm, the writer prays for salvation from the threats of war and enemies. They express confidence that God will save them and fulfill their petitions.

Psalm 107:19-20 – Salvation from Illness

“Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

In this psalm, the writer describes how God saves people from illness and distress when they cry out to Him. He sends His word and heals them, delivering them from destruction.

Psalm 34:17-19 – Salvation from Affliction

“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

In this passage, the psalmist speaks of how God saves those who are righteous and cry out to Him from affliction. God hears their cries and delivers them from all their troubles.

Isaiah 45:22 – Salvation from Idols

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”

In this verse, God calls out to all those who are worshiping idols and urges them to turn to Him for salvation. He is the only God, and only by looking to Him can people find true salvation.

Understanding these nuances can make a huge difference in how we approach and interpret the Bible. It can help us avoid making incorrect assumptions and drawing incorrect conclusions. And, it can even make reading the Bible feel like a whole new and even joyful experience.

But, how can we avoid misunderstandings like this? One way is to study the Bible in context. When we read a verse, we should consider the broader context of the passage and the book it’s in.

We should also look for other uses of the same word in the same context, as this can provide helpful clues to its meaning.

It is absolutely crucial to consider the audience being spoken to.  Misunderstandings like getting Israel confused with the Church, or not realizing the lesson is regional rather than global, or for one group of people but not all people,  for a time but not all time, have given rise to anxiety, division, and even spawned denominations and cults. Often wrong interpretations rob us of hope and joy.

Besides reading and studying the word of God, ourselves, we can consult trusted commentaries or study resources to help us better understand the text. Additionally, we can watch trusted Bible scholars on YouTube, And, of course, we can pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit, who can illuminate the meaning of the text for us. There is much to aid us in skillful exegesis.

In conclusion, while misunderstandings of biblical terms can be common, they don’t have to hinder our understanding of the Bible and cause strife, fear, and confusion. By studying the text in context, looking for other uses of the same word, the audience, using tools like books and media, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s word and avoid drawing incorrect conclusions. Skillful exegesis is essential if we want to know the whole truth.