If you’ve ever asked, “What must I do to be saved?”, you’re in good company. It’s one of the biggest questions anyone can ask, and while it’s directly answered in the New Testament (Acts 16:30-31), the Old Testament also has a lot to say about salvation—just in a different way.
In the Old Testament, salvation wasn’t just about heaven or hell; it was about deliverance, righteousness, and the promise of something greater to come. Let’s break it down.
1. Salvation as Deliverance – When God Steps In
A lot of times in the Old Testament, salvation meant God rescuing people from trouble—whether it was slavery in Egypt, battles against enemies, or personal struggles.
One of the biggest stories of salvation? Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
📖 Exodus 14:13 – “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.”
Basically, Israel was trapped, the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s army behind them. But God made a way—He split the sea and led them to freedom. That was salvation in action!
🛑 Lesson for us? Sometimes, salvation isn’t just about the afterlife. God saves us in the here and now—from bad decisions, dangerous situations, or even ourselves.
2. Salvation Through Faith – It’s Always Been About Trust
Ever heard the phrase “saved by faith”? We usually think of that as a New Testament idea, but it actually started way back in the Old Testament.
📖 Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
Notice what’s not there? It doesn’t say Abraham was saved because he was perfect or because he followed a set of rules. He was saved because he believed.
Fast forward to the prophets, and you see this theme again.
📖 Ezekiel 18:30-32 – “Repent! Turn away from all your offenses… Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.”
Salvation in the Old Testament was about trusting in God and turning back to Him when you messed up.
🛑 Lesson for us? God’s not looking for perfection—He’s looking for people who will trust Him.
3. The Promise of a Messiah – Salvation That Lasts Forever
One of the biggest shifts between the Old and New Testament is how salvation was ultimately fulfilled. The Old Testament was filled with promises of a Savior—someone who would take on our sins and bring lasting peace.
📖 Isaiah 53:5-6 –
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah was talking about Jesus, even though this was written hundreds of years before He was born.
📖 Joel 2:32 – “And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
Fast forward to the New Testament, and Paul quotes this exact verse in Romans 10:13 to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises.
🛑 Lesson for us? Salvation isn’t about what we do—it’s about who we put our trust in.
So, How Does This Apply to Us?
The Old Testament shows that salvation has always been about faith in God, turning away from sin, and trusting in His plan. But here’s the good news:
- The physical deliverance we see in the Old Testament (like the Red Sea)? That was a picture of the ultimate deliverance Jesus brings.
- The faith that saved Abraham? That’s the same kind of faith we need today—faith in Jesus.
- The Messiah that was promised? He already came. And His name is Jesus.
📖 Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
The question “What must I do to be saved?” still matters today. And the answer? Trust in Jesus. The Old Testament pointed to Him, the New Testament reveals Him, and now, we get to walk in the salvation He provides.
Final Thought
If you’re asking “Can God really save me?”, the answer is yes. He’s been in the saving business since the beginning. Whether it was rescuing Israel, forgiving sins, or sending Jesus, He has always made a way.
So what do we do? The same thing believers have always done—trust Him. 🙌🏽
Discover more from Image of My Father
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
