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{{Short description|Concept in religion and theology}}
{{Other uses}}

'''Salvation''' (from [[Latin]]: ''salvatio'', from ''salva'', 'safe, saved') is the state of being saved or protected from harm or a dire situation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of salvation {{!}} Dictionary.com |url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/salvation |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=dictionary.com |language=en}}</ref> In [[religion]] and [[theology]], ''salvation'' generally refers to the deliverance of the [[soul]] from [[sin]] and its consequences.<ref name=":0">"Salvation." ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'' (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 1989. "The saving of the soul; the deliverance from sin and its consequences."</ref><ref name="EBS">{{cite encyclopedia |title=salvation – religion |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/520007/salvation}}</ref> The academic study of salvation is called ''[[soteriology]]''.

==Meaning==
{{Also|Redemption (theology)}}
In [[Abrahamic religions]] and theology, ''salvation'' is the saving of the [[soul]] from [[sin]] and its consequences.<ref name=":0" /> It may also be called ''deliverance'' or [[Redemption (theology)|''redemption'']] from sin and its effects.<ref>Graves Jr., Wilfred. 2011. ''In Pursuit of Wholeness: Experiencing God's Salvation for the Total Person''. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image. pp. 9, 22, 74–75.</ref> Depending on the religion or even denomination, salvation is considered to be caused either only by the [[Divine grace|grace]] of God (i.e. unmerited and unearned), or by faith, good deeds (works), or a combination thereof. Religions often emphasize that man is a sinner by nature and that the penalty of sin is death (physical death, spiritual death: spiritual separation from God and eternal punishment in hell).

==Judaism==
{{Also|Atonement in Judaism}}
In contemporary [[Judaism]], redemption ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: {{Script/Hebrew| גְּאוּלָּה}} {{Transliteration|he|ISO|ge'ulah}}), refers to [[God in Judaism|God]] redeeming the [[Israelites|people of Israel]] from their various exiles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kolel.org/pages/reb_on_the_web/redemption.html |title=Reb on the Web |publisher=Kolel: The Adult Centre for Liberal Jewish Learning |access-date=November 1, 2010 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721211633/http://www.kolel.org/pages/reb_on_the_web/redemption.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> This includes the [[Jewish eschatology|final redemption]] from the present exile.<ref name="EBJ">{{Cite web |date=1999 |title=Salvation – Afterlife, Divine Plan, Atonement, and Cosmic Struggle {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/salvation-religion/Judaism |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

Judaism holds that adherents do not need personal salvation as Christians believe. Jews do not subscribe to the doctrine of [[original sin]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2017-12-20 |title=How Does a Jew Attain Salvation? |url=http://www.beingjewish.com/toshuv/salvation.html |access-date=2023-05-19 |language=en-US}}</ref> Instead, they place a high value on individual morality as defined in the law of God—embodied in what Jews know as the [[Torah]] or The Law, given to [[Moses]] by God on [[biblical Mount Sinai]].

In Judaism, salvation is closely related to the idea of [[redemption (theology)|redemption]], a saving from the states or circumstances that destroy the value of human existence. God, as the universal spirit and Creator of the World, is the source of all salvation for humanity, provided that an individual honours God by observing His precepts. So redemption or salvation depends on the individual. Judaism stresses that salvation cannot be obtained through anyone else or by just invoking a deity or believing in any outside power or influence.<ref name="Malekar">[[Ezekiel Isaac Malekar|Malekar, Ezekiel Isaac]]. 20 November 2004. "[https://archive.today/20130629121921/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-11-20/edit-page/27150861_1_redemption-salvation-jews The Speaking Tree: Concept of Salvation In Judaism]." ''The Times of India''. Accessed: 4 May 2013</ref>
{{Blockquote|The Jewish concept of Messiah visualises the return of the prophet Elijah as the harbinger of one who will redeem the world from war and suffering, leading mankind to universal brotherhood under the fatherhood of one God. The Messiah is not considered as a future divine or supernatural being but as a dominating human influence in an age of universal peace, characterised by the spiritual regeneration of humanity.

In Judaism, salvation is open to all people and not limited to those of the Jewish faith; the only important consideration being that the people must observe and practise the ethical pattern of behaviour as summarised in the Ten Commandments. When Jews refer to themselves as the chosen people of God, they do not imply they have been chosen for special favours and privileges but rather they have taken it upon themselves to show to all peoples by precept and example the ethical way of life.<ref name=Malekar/>}}
When examining Jewish intellectual sources throughout history, there is clearly a spectrum of opinions regarding death versus the [[afterlife]]. Possibly an over-simplification, one source says salvation can be achieved in the following manner: Live a holy and righteous life dedicated to [[Yahweh]], the God of Creation. Fast, worship, and celebrate during the appropriate holidays.<ref>"How do I achieve salvation according to Judaism?"{{cite web |url=http://religions.findthedata.org/q/2/1475/How-do-I-achieve-salvation-according-to-Judaism |title=How do I achieve salvation according to Judaism? |access-date=2013-05-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130704012232/http://religions.findthedata.org/q/2/1475/How-do-I-achieve-salvation-according-to-Judaism |archive-date=2013-07-04 }} Accessed: 4 May 2013</ref>

By origin and nature, Judaism is an ethnic religion. Therefore, salvation has been primarily conceived in terms of the destiny of Israel as the elect people of Yahweh (often referred to as "the Lord"), the [[God in Judaism|God of Israel]].<ref name="EBJ" />

In the biblical text of [[Psalms]], there is a description of death, when people go into the earth or the "[[realm of the dead]]" and cannot praise God. The first reference to resurrection is collective in [[Ezekiel]]'s vision of the dry bones, when all the Israelites in exile will be resurrected. There is a reference to individual resurrection in the [[Book of Daniel]].<ref name="Krell">{{Cite web |title=Afterlife and Salvation |url=https://www.patheos.com/library/judaism/beliefs/afterlife-and-salvation |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=patheos.com |language=en}}</ref> A belief in the [[afterlife]], in which the dead would be resurrected and undergo divine judgment, is not recorded until after the exile.<ref name="EBJ" />

The salvation of the individual Jew was connected to the salvation of the entire people. This belief stemmed directly from the teachings of the [[Torah]]. In the Torah, God taught his people [[sanctification]] of the individual. However, he also expected them to function together (spiritually) and be accountable to one another. The concept of salvation was tied to that of restoration for Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yashanet.com/studies/romstudy/rom2.htm|title=Jewish views of salvation, faith and freedom|access-date=2013-05-04|archive-date=2021-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614201805/http://www.yashanet.com/studies/romstudy/rom2.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|During the Second Temple Period, the Sadducees, High Priests, denied any particular existence of individuals after death because it wasn't written in the Torah, while the Pharisees, ancestors of the rabbis, affirmed both bodily resurrection and immortality of the soul, most likely based on the influence of Hellenistic ideas about body and soul and the Pharisaic belief in the Oral Torah. The Pharisees maintained that after death, the soul is connected to God until the messianic era when it is rejoined with the body in the land of Israel at the time of resurrection.<ref name=Krell/>}}
==Christianity==
[[File:Heusler Allegory of Salvation.JPG|thumb|upright|''Allegory of Salvation'' by [[Antonius Heusler]] ({{circa| 1555}}). [[National Museum, Warsaw|National Museum]], [[Warsaw]].]]
{{Main|Salvation in Christianity}}

[[Christianity]]'s primary premise is that the [[Incarnation (Christianity)|incarnation]] and death of [[Jesus in Christianity|Jesus Christ]] formed the climax of a divine plan for humanity's salvation. This plan was conceived by [[God in Christianity|God]] before the creation of the world, achieved at the cross, and it would be completed at the [[Last Judgment]], when the [[Second Coming of Christ]] would mark the catastrophic end of the world and the creation of a new world.<ref name="EBC">{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=Christianity {{!}} Definition, Origin, History, Beliefs, Symbols, Types, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

For Christianity, salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus' death on the cross was the once-for-all sacrifice that atoned for the sin of humanity.<ref name=EBC/>

The Christian religion, though not the exclusive possessor of the idea of redemption, has given to it a special definiteness and a dominant position. Taken in its widest sense, as deliverance from dangers and ills in general, most religions teach some form of it. It assumes an important position, however, only when the ills in question form part of a great system against which human power is helpless.<ref>{{Cite web |title=redemption |url=https://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/encyc/encyc09/htm/iv.vii.lxxxv.htm |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=ccel.org}}</ref>
[[File:Allegory of Salvation by Wolf Huber (cca 1543).jpg|thumb|upright|''Allegory of Salvation'' by [[Wolf Huber]] ({{circa|1543}}). [[Kunsthistorisches Museum]], [[Vienna]]]]
According to Christian belief, [[Christian views on sin|sin]] as the human predicament is considered to be universal.<ref>{{Bibleref2|Romans|5:12}}</ref> For example, in {{Bibleref2|Romans|1:18–3:20}} the [[Apostle Paul]] declared everyone to be under sin—Jew and Gentile alike. Salvation is made possible by the life, death, and [[resurrection of Jesus]], which in the context of salvation is referred to as the "[[Atonement in Christianity|atonement]]".<ref name=CDOS>"Christian Doctrines of Salvation". Religion facts. June 20, 2009. http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/beliefs/salvation.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401055737/http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/beliefs/salvation.htm |date=2015-04-01 }}</ref> Christian [[soteriology]] ranges from exclusive salvation<ref name="Newman, Jay 1982">Newman, Jay. 1982. ''Foundations of religious tolerance.'' Toronto: University of Toronto Press. {{ISBN|0-8020-5591-5}}</ref>{{rp|p.123}} to [[universal reconciliation]]<ref name="Parry, Robin A. 2004">Parry, Robin A. 2004. ''Universal salvation? The Current Debate.'' [[William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company|William B. Eerdmans Publishing]]. {{ISBN|0-8028-2764-0}}</ref> concepts. While some of the differences are as widespread as Christianity itself, the overwhelming majority agree that salvation is made possible by the work of Jesus Christ, the [[Son of God]], dying on the cross.
{{Blockquote|At the heart of Christian faith is the reality and hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Christian faith is faith in the God of salvation revealed in Jesus of [[Nazareth]]. The Christian tradition has always equated this salvation with the transcendent, [[Eschatology|eschatological]] fulfillment of human existence in a life freed from sin, finitude, and mortality and united with the triune God. This is perhaps ''the'' non-negotiable item of Christian faith. What has been a matter of debate is the relation between salvation and our activities in the world.|Anselm Kyongsuk Min|title=''Dialectic of Salvation: Issues in Theology of Liberation'' (2009)<ref name="Min">Min, Anselm Kyongsuk. ''Dialectic of Salvation: Issues in Theology of Liberation.'' Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1989. {{ISBN|978-0-88706-908-6}}</ref>{{rp|p.79|date=June 2009}}|source=}}
{{Blockquote|The Bible presents salvation in the form of a story that describes the outworking of God's eternal plan to deal with the problem of human sin. The story is set against the background of the history of God's people and reaches its climax in the person and work of Christ. The Old Testament part of the story shows that people are sinners by nature, and describes a series of covenants by which God sets people free and makes promises to them. His plan includes the promise of blessing for all nations through Abraham and the redemption of Israel from every form of bondage. God showed his saving power throughout Israel's history, but he also spoke about a Messianic figure who would save all people from the power, guilt, and penalty of sin. This role was fulfilled by Jesus, who will ultimately destroy all the devil's work, including suffering, pain, and death.|''Macmillan Dictionary of the Bible.''|title=|source=}}

Variant views on salvation are among the main fault lines dividing the various [[Christian denomination]]s: [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], and [[Protestantism]]. A few examples are found within Protestantism, notably in the [[History of Calvinist–Arminian debate|Calvinist–Arminian debate]], and between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, notably when dealing with ''[[sola fide]]'' during the [[Reformation|Protestant Reformation]]. The fault lines can include conflicting definitions of [[Total depravity|depravity]], [[Predestination#Christianity|predestination]], [[Atonement in Christianity|atonement]], but most pointedly [[Justification (theology)|justification]].
[[File:Are you saved - bumper sticker.png|frameless|upright=0.5|left|A bumper sticker]]
Salvation, according to most denominations, is believed to be a process that begins when a person first becomes a Christian, continues through that person's life, and is completed when they stand [[Last judgment|before Christ in judgment]]. Therefore, according to Catholic apologist James Akin, the faithful Christian can say in faith and hope, "I ''have been'' saved; I ''am being'' saved; and I ''will be'' saved."<ref>Akin, James. October 2001. "The Salvation Controversy." ''[[Catholic Answers]].''</ref>

Christian salvation concepts are varied and complicated by certain theological concepts, traditional beliefs, and [[dogma]]s. [[Bible|Scripture]] is subject to individual and ecclesiastical interpretations. While some of the differences are as widespread as Christianity itself, the overwhelming majority agrees that salvation is made possible by the work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, dying on the cross.

The purpose of salvation is debated, but in general most [[Christian theology|Christian theologians]] agree that God devised and implemented his plan of salvation because [[Love of God|he loves them]] and regards human beings as his children. Since human existence on Earth is said to be "given to sin,"<ref>{{bibleverse|Jn|8:34}}</ref> salvation also has connotations that deal with the [[liberty|liberation]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13407a.htm|title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Salvation|website=www.newadvent.org}}</ref> of human beings from sin, and the [[suffering|sufferings]] associated with the [[punishment]] of sin—i.e., "the [[Epistle to the Romans|wages of sin]] are [[Soul death|death]]."<ref>{{bibleverse|Rom.|6:23}}</ref>

Christians believe that salvation depends on the [[Grace (Christianity)|grace]] of God. Stagg writes that a fact assumed throughout the Bible is that humanity is in, "serious trouble from which we need deliverance…. The fact of sin as the human predicament is implied in the mission of Jesus, and it is explicitly affirmed in that connection." By its nature, salvation must answer to the plight of humankind as it actually is. Each individual's plight as a sinner is the result of a fatal choice involving the whole person in bondage, guilt, estrangement, and death. Therefore, salvation must be concerned with the total person. "It must offer [[redemption (theology)|redemption]] from bondage, forgiveness for guilt, reconciliation for estrangement, renewal for the marred image of God."<ref>Stagg, Frank. 1962. ''New Testament Theology''. Broadman Press. {{ISBN|0-8054-1613-7}}. pp. 11–13, 80.</ref>

==Latter-Day Saints==
{{Main|Plan of salvation (Latter Day Saints)}}

According to doctrine of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], the plan of salvation is God's plan to save, redeem, and exalt all humankind who chose, either in this life, or in the world of spirits of the dead, to accept the grace of Jesus Christ by exercising faith in Him, repenting of their sins, and by making and keeping sacred covenants (including [[baptism]]). Since the vast majority of God's children depart this life without that opportunity, Christ's gospel is preached to the unbelieving spirits in spirit prison (1 Peter 3: 19) so that they might be judged by the same standards as the living and live by following God in their spirit form (1 Peter 4: 6). If they accept Christ, sincerely repent of their sins, and accept ordinances done on their behalf, they can, by the grace of Christ, receive salvation on the same terms as the living. For this reason, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do vicarious work for the dead in sacred temples. The elements of this plan are drawn from various sources, including the [[Bible]],<ref>See for example {{Bibleverse|Matthew|13:43|KJV}}, {{bibleverse|John|14:2|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse|2 Corinthians|12:2|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse|1 Corinthians|15:40–41|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse|Genesis|2:4–5|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse|Genesis|2:7|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse|Job|38:4|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse|Ecclesiastes|12:7|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse|Jeremiah|1:5|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse|Zechariah|12:1|KJV}}, and {{Bibleverse|Hebrews|12:9|KJV}}</ref> [[Book of Mormon]], [[Doctrine & Covenants]], [[Pearl of Great Price (Mormonism)|Pearl of Great Price]], and numerous statements made by the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

==Islam==
{{Original research section|date=April 2025}}
{{Also|Islam|Jannah}}
In Islam, salvation refers to the eventual entrance to [[Paradise]]. Islam teaches that people who die disbelieving in Islam do not receive salvation. Those who die believing in the one God and His message (Islam) receive salvation.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Ankerberg |first1=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B_hndUQ1_40C&dq=salvation+islam&pg=PA37 |title=The Facts on Islam |last2=Weldon |first2=John |last3=Burroughs |first3=Dillon |date=2008-08-01 |publisher=Harvest House Publishers |isbn=978-0-7369-3906-5 |pages=37 |language=en}}</ref>

Narrated Anas, that The Prophet said:
{{Blockquote|Whoever said "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a barley grain will be taken out of Hell. And whoever said: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a wheat grain will be taken out of Hell. And whoever said, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of an atom will be taken out of [[Jahannam|Hell]].|{{Href|bukhari|44|b=yl}}}}
Islam teaches that all who enter into Islam must remain so in order to receive salvation.
{{Blockquote|Whoever seeks a way other than Islam, it will never be accepted from them, and in the Hereafter they will be among the losers.|{{qref|3|85|c=y}}}}
For those who have not been granted Islam or to whom the message has not been brought:<ref>{{qref|5|69|b=y}}, {{qref|22|17}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|Indeed, the believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabians—whoever ˹truly˺ believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good will have their reward with their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.|{{qref|2|62|c=y}}}}
===Tawhid===
{{Also|Tawhid|Shirk (Islam)}}
Belief in the "One God", also known as the ''[[Tawhid]]'' ({{Langx|ar|التَوْحيدْ|label=none}}) in Arabic, consists of two parts (or principles):
#''Tawḥīdu r-Rubūbiyya'' ({{langx|ar|تَوْحيدُ الرُبوبِيَّة}}): Believing in the attributes of God and attributing them to no other but God. Such attributes include Creation, having no beginning, and having no end. These attributes are what make a God. Islam also teaches no less than 99 names for God, and each of these names defines one attribute. One breaks this principle, for example, by believing in an Idol as an intercessor to God. The idol, in this case, is thought of having powers that only God should have, thereby breaking this part of Tawheed. No intercession is required to communicate with, or worship, God.<ref>{{qref|2|186|b=y}}</ref>
#''Tawḥīdu l-'ulūhiyya'' ({{langx|ar|تَوْحيدُ الأُلوهيَّة}}) : Directing worship, prayer, or deed to God, and God only. For example, worshiping an idol or any saint or prophet is also considered Shirk.

===Sin and repentance===
{{Also|Repentance|Repentance in Islam|Islamic views on sin}}
Islam also stresses that in order to gain salvation, one must also avoid sinning along with performing good deeds. Islam acknowledges the inclination of humanity towards sin.<ref name="qref|3|85|b=y">{{qref|3|85|b=y}}</ref><ref>{{qref|12|51–53|b=y}}</ref> Therefore, Muslims are constantly commanded to seek God's forgiveness and repent. Islam teaches that no one can gain salvation simply by virtue of their belief or deeds, instead it is the Mercy of God, which merits them salvation, as we have to know that by the mercy of god we are doing the good deeds and we are believing in God. However, repentance must not be used to sin any further. Islam teaches that God is Merciful.
{{Blockquote|Allah only accepts the repentance of those who commit evil ignorantly ˹or recklessly˺ then repent soon after—Allah will pardon them. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.|{{qref|4|17|c=y}}}}
{{Blockquote|Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him ˹in worship˺, but forgives anything else of whoever He wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has indeed committed a grave sin.|{{qref|4|48|c=y}}}}
Islam describes a true believer to have [[Love of God]] and [[Taqwa|Fear of God]]. Islam also teaches that every person is responsible for their own sins. The Quran states:
{{Blockquote|If you disbelieve, then ˹know that˺ Allah is truly not in need of you, nor does He approve of disbelief from His servants. But if you become grateful ˹through faith˺, He will appreciate that from you. No soul burdened with sin will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you of what you used to do. He certainly knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart.|{{qref|39|7|c=y}}}}
Al-Agharr al-Muzani who was from amongst the Companions of Allah's Apostle reported that Ibn 'Umar stated to him that Allah's Messenger said:
{{Blockquote|O people, seek repentance from Allah. Verily, I seek repentance from Him a hundred times a day.|{{Href|muslim|2702b|b=yl}}}}
Sin in Islam is not a state, but an action (a bad deed); Islam teaches that a child is born sinless, regardless of the belief of his parents, dies a Muslim; he enters [[heaven]], and does not enter hell.<ref>{{Href|bukhari|1385|b=yl}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet said, "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and receive good news because one's good deeds will not make him enter Paradise." They asked, "Even you, O Allah's Messenger?" He said, "Even I, unless and until Allah bestows His pardon and Mercy on me."|{{Href|bukhari|6467|b=yl}}}}
===Five Pillars===
{{Main|Five Pillars of Islam}}

Islam is built on five principles, acts of worship that Islam teaches to be mandatory. Not performing the mandatory acts of worship may deprive Muslims of the chance of salvation.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p-NBqOkvfoEC&q=salvation+islam&pg=PA27|title=Fast Facts® on Islam|isbn=9780736934510|last1=Ankerberg|first1=John|last2=Weldon|first2=John|date=21 November 2001|publisher=Harvest House Publishers }}</ref> According to [[Abd Allah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab|Ibn 'Umar]], Muhammad said that Islam is based on the following five principles:<ref>{{Href|bukhari|8|b=yl}}</ref>
#To [[Shahada|testify]] that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger.
#To offer the [[Salat|compulsory prayers]] dutifully and perfectly.
#To pay [[Zakat]] to poor and needy (i.e. obligatory charity of 2.5% annually of surplus wealth).
#To perform [[Hajj]] (i.e. pilgrimage to Mecca).
#To [[Sawm|observe fast]] during the month of Ramadhan.

==Indian religions==
{{Main|Moksha|Nirvana|Enlightenment in Buddhism}}

[[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Jainism]] and [[Sikhism]] share certain key concepts, which are interpreted differently by different groups and individuals.{{sfn|Sherma|Sarma|2008|p=239}} In these religions one is not liberated from sin and its consequences, but from the ''[[saṃsāra]]'' (cycle of rebirth) perpetuated by passions and delusions and its resulting [[karma]].{{sfn|Tiwari|1983|p=210}} They differ however on the exact nature of this liberation.{{sfn|Tiwari|1983|p=210}}

Salvation is always self-attained in [[Indian religions]], and a more appropriate term would be ''[[moksha]]'' ('liberation'){{sfn|Tiwari|1983|p=210}} or ''mukti'' ('release'). This state and the conditions considered necessary for its realization is described in early texts of Indian religion such as the [[Upanishads]] and the [[Pāli Canon]], and later texts such the [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali]] and the [[Vedanta]] tradition.{{sfn|Sherma|Sarma|2008}} ''Moksha'' can be attained by ''[[sādhanā]]'', literally 'means of accomplishing something'.<ref>V. S. Apte. ''A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary''. p. 979.</ref> It includes a variety of disciplines, such as [[yoga]] and ''dhyana'' ([[meditation]]).

[[Nirvana]] is the profound peace of mind that is acquired with ''moksha''. In [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]], it is the state of being free from [[suffering]]. In [[Hindu philosophy]], it is union with the [[Brahman]] ([[King of the gods|Supreme Being]]). The word literally means 'blown out' (as in a candle) and refers, in the Buddhist context, to the blowing out of the fires of desire, aversion, and delusion,<ref name="Gombrich" />{{sfn|Snelling|1987}} and the imperturbable stillness of mind acquired thereafter.<ref name="Gombrich">[[Richard Gombrich]], ''Theravada Buddhism: A Social History from Ancient Benāres to Modern Colombo.'' Routledge</ref>

In [[Theravada Buddhism]] the emphasis is on one's own liberation from samsara.{{sfn|Snelling|1987}} The [[Mahayana]] traditions emphasize the ''[[bodhisattva]]'' path,{{sfn|Snelling|1987}} in which "each Buddha and Bodhisattva is a redeemer," assisting the Buddhist in seeking to achieve the redemptive state.<ref name="JE">Joseph Edkins, ''Chinese Buddhism'' (1893), p. 364.</ref> The assistance rendered is a form of self-sacrifice on the part of the teachers, who would presumably be able to achieve total detachment from worldly concerns, but have instead chosen to remain engaged in the material world to the degree that this is necessary to assist others in achieving such detachment.<ref name="JE" />

==Jainism==
{{Main|Moksha (Jainism)}}

In [[Jainism]], [[Moksha (Jainism)|''salvation'', ''moksha'', and ''nirvana'']] are one and the same.<ref name="pjaini">{{cite book |last=Jaini |first=Padmanabh |title=Collected Papers on Jaina Studies |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. |year=2000 |isbn=81-208-1691-9 |location=Delhi}} ''"Moksa and Nirvana are synonymous in Jainism".'' p. 168</ref><ref>Michael Carrithers, Caroline Humphrey (1991) ''The Assembly of listeners: Jains in society'' Cambridge University Press. {{ISBN|0521365058}}: ''"Nirvana: A synonym for liberation, release, moksa."'' p. 297</ref> When a soul ([[Atman (Jainism)|''atman'']]) achieves ''moksha'', it is released from the cycle of births and deaths, and achieves its pure self. It then becomes a ''[[siddha]]'' ('one who has accomplished his ultimate objective'). Attaining Moksha requires annihilation of all ''[[Karma in Jainism|karmas]]'', good and bad, because if karma is left, it must bear fruit.

==Taoism==
While early [[Taoism]] had no understanding of the concept of salvation, later in [[History of Taoism|Taoist history]], salvation became a major part of beliefs about it.<ref name=":17">{{Cite book |last=Stark |first=Rodney |title=Discovering God: The Origins of the Great Religions and the Evolution of Belief |publisher=[[HarperOne]] |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-06-117389-9 |edition=1st |location=New York |page=258 |author-link=Rodney Stark}}</ref> Things one could do to be saved was to [[Prayer|pray]], offer [[Sacrifice|sacrifices]], and/or become a ''[[Xian (Taoism)|xian]]'' ({{lang-zh|c=仙|p=Xiān}}) immortal.<ref name=":17" />

==See also==
{{Portal|Religion}}
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Antinomianism]]
*[[Assurance (theology)]]
*[[Born again]]
*[[Collective salvation]]
*[[Divine filiation]]
*[[Divine illumination]]
*[[Easter]]
*[[Gnosis]]
*[[Henosis]]
*[[Legalism (theology)]]
*[[Penance]]
*[[Perseverance of the saints]]
*[[Prevenient grace]]
*[[Regeneration (theology)]]
*[[Steps to Christ]]
{{Div col end}}

==Citations==
{{Reflist}}

==General and cited references==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book |last1=Braden |first1=Charles Samuel |title=Man's Quest for Salvation: An Historical and Comparative Study of the Idea of Salvation in the World's Great Living Religions |year=1941 |publisher=Willett, Clark & Company |location=Chicago & New York}}
*{{cite book |editor1-first=S. G. F. |editor1-last=Brandon |editor1-link=S. G. F. Brandon |title=The Saviour God: Comparative studies in the concept of salvation presented to Edwin Oliver James by colleagues and friends |year=1963 |publisher=[[Barnes & Noble]] |location=New York}}
*{{cite book |last1=Brueggemann |first1=Walter |title=Reverberations of Faith: A Theological Handbook of Old Testament Themes |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dBJQ71RIpdMC |date=30 September 2002 |publisher=[[Westminster John Knox Press]] |location=Louisville, Kentucky |pages=184–186 |chapter=Salvation |isbn=9780664222314 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dBJQ71RIpdMC&q=Brueggemann+salvation&pg=PA184}} <small>([http://www.wjkbooks.com/Products/0664222315/reverberations-of-faith.aspx Presentation])</small>
*{{cite book |editor1-first=Eric J. |editor1-last=Sharpe |editor1-link=Eric J. Sharpe |editor2-first=John R. |editor2-last=Hinnells |title=Man and his salvation: Studies in memory of S. G. F. Brandon |year=1973 |publisher=[[Manchester University Press]] |location=Manchester |isbn=0-7190-0537-X}}
*{{Citation |last1=Sherma |first1=Rita D. |last2=Sarma |first2=Aravinda |year=2008 |title=Hermeneutics and Hindu Thought: Toward a Fusion of Horizons |publisher=Springer}}
*{{Citation |last=Snelling |first=John |year=1987 |title=The Buddhist handbook. A Complete Guide to Buddhist Teaching and Practice |place=London |publisher=Century Paperbacks}}
*{{Citation |last=Tiwari |first=K.N. |year=1983 |title=Comparative Religion |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass}}
*{{Citation |last=Kumar |first=Santosh |year=2019 |title=Salvation: In the Light of the Cross and the Crescent |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=9781647604974}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|chapter=[[s:Sermons for all the Sundays in the year/Sermon 3|Sermon III. Third Sunday of Advent: On the means necessary for salvation]] |title=Sermons for all the Sundays in the year|year=1882|publisher=Dublin|first=Alphonus|last=Liguori|author-link=Alphonsus Liguori}}
*{{cite book|chapter=[[s:Sermons (Massillon)/Sermon 1|Sermon I: On Salvation]]|title=Sermons by John-Baptist Massillon|year=1879|publisher=Thomas Tegg & Sons|first=Jean-Baptiste|last=Massillon|author-link=Jean-Baptiste Massillon}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
*A. J. Wallace and R. D. Rusk, [https://www.createspace.com/3508977 "Moral Transformation: the Original Christian Paradigm of Salvation"] A recent defence of the moral transformation perspective.
*{{webarchive |url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20011120113909/http://gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/sermons/serm-043.stm |title="The Scripture Way to Salvation" |date=2001-11-20}}, a sermon by [[John Wesley]] (Methodist / Wesleyan perspective)
*{{Wikisource-inline|links=[[s:Blaise Pascal/On the Conversion of the Sinner|On the Conversion of the Sinner]] by [[Blaise Pascal]]|single=true}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20040906170044/http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=276 "God's Plan of Salvation"] (conservative [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] perspective)
*[http://www.islamawareness.net/Salvation/salvation1.html Salvation in Islam]
*[http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/books/immortality_resurrection/6.htm ''Immortality Or Resurrection?'' Chapter VI Hell: Eternal Torment or Annihilation?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216040008/http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/books/immortality_resurrection/6.htm |date=2015-02-16 }} by Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph.D., Andrews University
*[https://archive.org/details/redemptionafterd0420brig ''Redemption after Death''] by Charles Augustus Briggs: An article in the December 1889 Issue of The Magazine of Christian Literature Vol 1. No. 3.
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000311121352/http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/cdffeeney.txt |title=The Catholic Church's interpretation of its dogma: "Outside the Church there is no salvation" |date=2000-03-11}}

{{Spirituality-related topics}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Salvation| ]]
[[Category:Religious terminology]]