sōtēria

Semantic range

1. 1rescue from danger or death
2. 2preservation, safety, health
3. 3salvation in the full theological sense

The related verb sōzō is used in the Gospels for physical healing as often as for spiritual rescue — "thy faith hath made thee whole" is the same verb. That breadth prevents salvation from floating free of bodies and circumstances.

Latter-day Saint usage distinguishes salvation from exaltation: all are saved from physical death through the Resurrection, and salvation from sin is conditional on obedience to gospel law (Articles of Faith 1:3), while exaltation is the fulness available in the celestial kingdom (D&C 132:19–20). Keeping those distinct resolves most apparent contradictions between "saved by grace" verses and "work out your own salvation" verses.

See also

• יְשׁוּעָהyəšûʿāh
• ἀπολύτρωσιςapolytrōsis
• χάριςcharis