Salvation through law
According to Christian belief, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus made salvationThe healing of a broken relationship between people and God. from sinAct of rebellion or disobedience against the known will of God in Judaism, Christianity or Islam. possible. People are saved by God’s graceThe gift of God's love and support regardless of whether or not a person has done God's will. and love, but everybody must do their best to live by God’s law as laid out in the BibleThe holy book of Christians. It has 66 books split into two sections: Old Testament (39 books) and New Testament (27 books). in order to receive his blessing of salvation.
Law in the Old Testament
Christians believe that God has revealed his law to people through the Bible, which they see as a guidebook to salvation. The first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) are actually known as the ‘books of law’ because they contain the instructions given by God to MosesThe man chosen by God to save the Jews from slavery and take them to the promised land. In the Qur'an he is a messenger chosen by God to give the revelation of the Torah to the Israelites. for the people of Israel.
For Christians, the entire Bible is the word of God. Although it was written by numerous authors over hundreds of years, Christians believe that the Bible’s authors were all divinely inspired, through the Holy SpiritThe third person of the Trinity. Active as God's presence and power in the world., to write down God’s word.
Law in the New Testament
Christians place an emphasis on following the New TestamentThe second part of the Christian Bible containing 27 books consisting of four types of literature: letters (epistles), gospels, history and prophecy. and follow only some of the laws of the Old TestamentThe first part of the Christian Bible which corresponds to the Hebrew Bible but is arranged differently.. This is because they believe that Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament override many of the laws laid out in the Old Testament - for example, the dietary laws still followed by many Jews today.
However, the Old Testament is still very important to Christians because it contains guidance that Jesus himself said should be followed - for example, the Ten CommandmentsThe list of rules, revealed by God to Moses, found in the Old Testament books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Also known as the Decalogue.. However, for Christians, Jesus' teachings recorded in the Bible are the most important source of authority and law to be followed.
Different interpretations of the Bible
Individual Christians follow the laws laid down in the Bible differently, according to their denominationA group within a religion. Christian denominations include, for example, Roman Catholic and Anglican denominations. and personal beliefs. Some Christians, such as evangelicalGroup, or church, placing particular emphasis on the gospel and the scriptures as the sole authority in all matters of faith and conduct. Christians, read the Bible more literally. In contrast, members of the Church of EnglandThe Church of England (C of E) is the official Protestant state religion of England. Its supreme governor is the monarch of the UK, with the Archbishop of Canterbury as the most senior priest. often feel that certain laws are no longer relevant and need not be followed, or that the laws may need to be adjusted for modern life.
Other sources of authority
Many Christians believe that by following the Bible’s teachings, they set themselves on the path of salvation. As well as the Bible, there are other sources of wisdom and authority that Christians use as guidance to follow God’s law. For example:
- Some Christians think of a person’s conscienceAn inner sense (or 'voice') which communicates what is right or wrong in one's behaviour. as an inner sense of right and wrong, which they believe to be God’s voice.
- Many Christians follow religious leaders. For example, Catholic ChurchThe institution of Catholic Christianity headed by the Pope. All of western Europe belonged to the Catholic Church until the Reformation, when Protestants broke away. Christians believe that God has chosen the PopeThe Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. to be his representative on Earth.
- Each local church usually has its own interpretations of biblical teaching. Its leaders will advise members of the congregation about how to live a good Christian life.
- Prayer is seen by some Christians as a dialogue with God. By asking God for guidance, they believe he can show them the right path towards salvation.
Question
Why is the Bible important to Christians in terms of salvation?
The Bible is important for salvation as it is a guidebook that Christians can use to follow God’s law. The Bible contains the revealed word of God and shows Christians the way to live to receive the reward of eternal life with God in Heaven after death.
