We tend to say that we are saved by the cross. This is only part of it. There are seven key parts of Christ and His ministry that are essential to our salvation.
- Incarnation, A pre-existent member of the Holy Trinity, the eternal son, became flesh.
- Life, The scripture says that we are “saved by His life.”
- Death, His death was redemptive.
- Burial, He descended into Hades, and by death trampled down death.
- Resurrection, This demonstrates victory over death, and the first fruits of new creation.
- Ascension, He went into the Heavenly Tabernacle to sprinkle His own blood in heaven for us.
- Intercession, at the right hand of the Father for us.
By these, all of these, we have been saved and are being saved.”
(From “The Self-Talk of God”, by H. Lamar Smith)