Includes indexes.

Saved from what? -- The shattered self-image -- Saved by what? -- The drama of redemption -- Christ our ransom -- Blessing or curse? -- Appropriating the cross -- Adoption and the beatific vision.

"Christians often misunderstand the nature of God. This leads to misunderstandings about the nature of salvation. For this reason, the question "Saved from what?" can be a challenge to answer. In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains why the atonement was necessary and why we are fundamentally saved from a holy God in salvation. The heart of this book is to help evangelicals understand the gospel. But in order to do that, they must first understand the character of God. When this happens, Christians understand that salvation is both of and from God. It is of God because it originates with Him. But it is from God because His righteous, holy character is against all unrighteousness. In part one, Dr. Sproul explains the meaning of the term "salvation" in Scripture, and he elaborates on this to show how God's character demands perfect righteousness. This is a serious predicament for every human being because all of our works fall short of the glory of God. We sin, and even our "good" works are mingled with sin. In part two, Dr. Sproul unfolds the significance and necessity of the cross, and he defines sin in the biblical concepts of "debt" to God, "enmity" toward God, and "crime" against God. The cross addresses the problem of our sin before God from every angle. Dr. Sproul explains how Christ is our ransom and the processes of propitiation and expiation that occurred at the cross. This entire section is set within the concept of covenant theology and is further developed through a study on justification. In part three, Dr. Sproul concludes the book by explaining the purpose of our salvation. All Christians are called to live for Christ and are adopted into Him. Being adopted into Christ, we are assured that God is making us like Him and that we will one day ultimately be made pure when we behold God in the beatific vision"--