What the Early Church Really Taught About Salvation
As someone seeking the truth about the early church, I approach this journey with curiosity and humility. I’m not an expert, just a fellow explorer captivated by the teachings and traditions of the ancient faith. If you’ve ever wondered what those first generations of Christians believed about salvation and perseverance, I invite you to join me as we uncover their insights together. Let’s dig into the writings of the early church and see what treasures we can find.
Why Look Back?
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the roots of our faith. So much has changed over the centuries, but the early church provides a direct link to the time of the apostles. These early Christians lived closer to the life of Christ, and their writings often carry a sense of urgency and authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. They weren’t just theologians; they were witnesses to a faith that demanded everything—a faith lived out in the face of persecution, misunderstanding, and hardship.
For me, studying the early church is like piecing together a map. Each fragment helps us better understand the path laid out by the first followers of Christ. The writings of the early church fathers offer valuable guidance as we navigate questions about salvation and perseverance in our own faith journeys.
Key Teachings from the Early Church
The early church fathers didn’t leave us a single, unified doctrine of salvation. Instead, their writings reflect a faith that was both dynamic and deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ and the apostles. Here are a few key voices:
- St. Ignatius of Antioch: Writing in the early second century, Ignatius emphasized the importance of perseverance and unity in the faith. In his letter to the Ephesians, he wrote, “It is fitting, then, not only to be called Christians but to be so in reality” (Ephesians 11:1). Ignatius saw salvation as something that required a continuous, lived commitment.
- St. Polycarp of Smyrna: A disciple of the Apostle John, Polycarp’s martyrdom is one of the earliest accounts of Christian witness. His life and death reflect a profound trust in God’s promise of eternal life. As he faced his execution, he declared, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King and Savior?”
- St. Justin Martyr: In his “First Apology,” Justin described baptism as a transformative step toward salvation, writing, “This washing is called illumination, because they who learn these things are illuminated in their understandings” (First Apology, Chapter 61). For Justin, salvation was deeply connected to a life of transformation and ongoing learning.
These early voices challenge the notion of salvation as a one-time event. Instead, they present it as a journey, marked by faith, perseverance, and active participation in God’s grace.
Word Study “SAVED” The Greek word sōzō (σῴζω) is pivotal in Christian theology, translating to “to save,” “to deliver,” or “to make well.” Contrary to the notion of salvation as a single, completed event, sōzō implies something far more dynamic. Through its various tense usages in the New Testament, sōzō suggests that being saved isn’t just a one-and-done process; it’s something that has happened, is happening, and will happen. This word encapsulates a journey of salvation that spans from the past, through the present, and into the future, illustrating an ongoing, transformative experience.
Theosis vs. OSAS
One of the concepts that fascinated me as I studied the early church was the idea of theosis—becoming united with God. While it’s not a term you’ll find explicitly in their writings, the concept is present throughout. St. Irenaeus of Lyons wrote, “God became what we are so that we might become what He is.” This idea of transformation stands in stark contrast to the “once saved, always saved” (OSAS) perspective I was familiar with.
The early church saw salvation not as a legal declaration but as a relational reality. It’s not just about being saved from something—it’s about being saved for something: communion with God. This process requires cooperation between God’s grace and our response. It’s not about earning salvation but about growing into the fullness of what God created us to be.
Conclusion: Learning from the Early Church
Exploring the early church has been an eye-opening experience for me. Their understanding of salvation is so much richer and more dynamic than I had ever imagined. It’s not about crossing a finish line but about embarking on a lifelong journey with God.
I’m sharing these reflections not as definitive answers but as stepping stones for your own exploration. If you’re a fellow truth seeker, I hope you’ll join me in continuing to learn from the ancient faith. The early church reminds us that salvation isn’t just a moment; it’s a relationship—one that calls us to grow, persevere, and trust in the unchanging love of God.
So, what do you think? How do these early teachings challenge or affirm your understanding of salvation? Let’s keep the conversation going.