In the Bible, the word “salvation” is a translation of “sozo”. It means something is being delivered from something. The context determines what is being delivered from what. When we save money, we are delivering it from being spent. When we save time we are delivering it from being wasted.

In today’s verse, Peter desires that he be delivered from the dangerous circumstances of the sea. He wants to be saved from drowing.

In John 8 (the verse that says “the truth sets you free”), the listeners try to push back – asking Jesus what exactly they are enslaved to. Jesus tells them. Like each of us, they are enslaved to their own sin. And the chains of that shackle is falsity. Untruth. Lies. By avoiding the truth, we ensure our enslavement. Why would we do such a thing?

Too often, we feel more comfortable in our constraints. They are familiar. And the truth is a little intimidating. It carries weight and responsibility with it. If we are set free, we have to figure out what to do in response. Where to spend our time and how to exert our energy. It is much easier to stay shackled and complain about being shackled.

Truth is the key for our lives. It sets us free. It saves us. Free to try. Free to fail. Free to learn and grow. Free to listen. Freedom comes with its own set of consequences – discernment and ownership to name a few. It is an acquired taste, but also the only way to be saved from our sin.

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’”
– Matthew 14:30