The NT's primary word for salvation, 46 times. It encompasses rescue from danger, preservation, and — theologically — God's complete work delivering humanity from sin, death, and judgment. Like Hebrew yeshuah (H3444), it is both present reality and future hope.
NT salvation is comprehensive: past (Ephesians 2:8), present (1 Corinthians 1:18), and future (Romans 13:11). It includes justification, sanctification, and glorification. Sōtēria is not just heaven — it is restoring all that sin damaged: relationship with God, community, and creation (Romans 8:19–21).
The name Jesus (Iēsous) is Greek for Hebrew Yeshua, from the same root as yeshuah — "YHWH saves." The very name proclaims the gospel. Different traditions emphasize different aspects: Reformed theology highlights sovereign election; Wesleyan theology emphasizes human response; Orthodox theology foregrounds theosis.