1. Introduction

Salvation is the cardinal doctrine and chief theological concept in the Bible, as well as being the integrating theme of Christianity. The Christian religion is a religion with a message of salvation. The prevalent understanding of Christian salvation in our modern and postmodern society is that of a dualistic individuation and an otherworldly destination. This understanding has been characterized as gnostic and has often resulted in the religion's relegation to mere speculative philosophy or social program. This religion of religion has no positive message for humanity, and it has no power to effect any real changes for its adherents. This image of Christianity is world denying, and it essentially says no to humanity and the world. Often, this is the religion that comes across when the church equates its message with ways and theories of men and when it does not stick to its task of speaking God's Word. This has resulted in a situation in which the church has no other alternate message to offer in the face of dire world adversity than the message of the world.

This essay is comprised of two sections. The first section deals with the importance of the salvation of Christ for humanity, especially according to the Potsdam Consultation on the nature of the Church of Jesus Christ. The second section provides background and insight into the historical and social context surrounding the Kirchliche Dogmatik during the time of the Potsdam Consultation. This paper aims to show that the Kirchliche Dogmatik's assertion that the church essentially is the salvation of Christ does justice to Christology and the global mission of the church. It also aims to show how the understanding of this concept enhances ecumenical relations and solidifies the different units of the church as the church catholic.

1.1. Importance of Salvation

It is no surprise that the transformation from one who does not believe to a believing Christian is considered a conversion. The nature of this conversion and the events surrounding it vary among individuals as the issue of salvation meets the individual where he is at and is a process that leads to spiritual growth. But for all believers, this conversion is the result of a belief in the Gospel and a conscious acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior. A clear understanding of what the Gospel encompasses is thus essential in order to differentiate the power of God in deliverance from the misleading and often guilt-inducing messages that affect one's identity in times of spiritual struggle. The Gospel is literally "good news," yet many Christians do not truly comprehend the goodness it brings. The simple yet profound message presented in the New Testament is that through Jesus Christ, God has acted to reconcile the world to Himself (2 Cor 5:19). This reconciliation is achieved through the atoning work of Christ, where his death is a substitute for the punishment of men's sins. This basic cause and effect logic is often muddled by the distorted views or incomplete teachings of others, leading to a belief that one must measure up to a certain standard in order to earn right standing with God. This misconception directly affects one's feelings of worthiness and has great implications on the spiritual freedom and growth that comes with understanding one's identity in Christ. An understanding of salvation as the release from sin's power and an exchange from a sinful identity to a new one found in Christ provides confidence and reassurance that puts the issues of worthiness to rest and serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth in accepting the believer's true identity (Rom 6:6-7, Col 3:9-10).

Consider the importance of salvation for those looking to increase their diligence through faith in Jesus Christ. The term "salvation" is defined as the deliverance from the power and effects of sin. For some, the importance of this doctrine may be undermined because of its broad use throughout the New Testament; yet it is essential to garner a true understanding of how to appropriate the power of God in this deliverance to daily living. This essay will explore the doctrine of salvation under the theme of "Christus Victor," with a specific emphasis on the means and the results of salvation for the individual in relation to the powers of evil and how it affects his/her identity and sanctification. This topic is of most importance to one's spiritual vitality and perseverance, as a true realization of what Christ has done for the believer is the core foundation of his/her faith in times of trial. In the midst of challenges and temptations, it is not uncommon for a believer to feel distant from God and question their worthiness of His love. An understanding of the magnitude of God's love in providing a means for deliverance and His self-initiated act to restore this relationship serves as an encouragement for the downtrodden (1 Jn 4:9-10). This leads into a discussion of how salvation translates to an individual.

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