Salvation

His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the meaning of salvation and affirms that salvation is not merely a past event declared once, but a continuous spiritual journey that requires the person’s participation and practice of faith.
Salvation was accomplished by Christ’s work with His blood, but its results are attained by faith, baptism, repentance, and the renewal of the Holy Spirit.
It is not enough to say “I am saved” without a continuous life of repentance, because a person sins throughout life and needs ongoing repentance.

Necessary foundations for salvation

Salvation requires at least: faith, baptism (the second birth washing) and the renewal by the Holy Spirit. Baptism is not a physical washing but a washing from sins and a new birth.
The Holy Spirit is necessary because He awakens repentance and leads to a righteous life and spiritual deeds.

Spiritual life and struggle

The Christian life is a continuous spiritual war against the works of the devil; therefore a person must beware of pride and falling away.
The apostle warns against laxity after a spiritual beginning, and a person must not live without struggle thinking that he is “saved.”
Complete salvation is revealed in the eternal end, and it requires patience and steadfastness to the end.

Brief conclusion

Thus, while the work of salvation was completed on the cross, the human role remains in faith, baptism, repentance, reception of the Holy Spirit and perseverance in the spiritual life to receive the fruit of that work.

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