Thus salvation in the Bible is primarily a this-worldly phenomenon. It happens here. But what is it? The root of the English word is helpful. It comes from a Latin word that means “wholeness” or “healing” (the same root from which we get the word “salve,” a healing agent). In its broadest sense, salvation thus means becoming whole and being healed. The language of “wholeness” suggests movement beyond fragmentation, and the language of “healing” suggests being healed of the wounds of existence.
