In the past when I've studied salvation and wholeness I was thinking it utilized the same Greek word sozo, which means wholeness in all categories. Spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, etc. Tonight while taking a look at the word used in Philippians 2:12 that I'm taking a look at and studying for my stewardship blog, I see where a different Greek word is used.

It is the word soleria. It is basically defined two ways in the Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible,  copyright in 1982 by Thomas Nelson; it's defined as safety and soundness. I've put these two words together here as the meanings are similar even though the Greek words they've originated from are different.

One place this word is used is in Jude 3:

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

The salvation brought to mankind by way of Jesus Christ is common to all, it's a common salvation. It is also safety and soundness as that understanding is inherent in this Greek word soleria. Luke 3:6 uses a different rendering of the same word. It uses solerion.

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

The understanding that can be discovered by studying each of these words; sozo and soleria, or solerion, will help us to see and understand not only the salvation or wholeness God has given to every man, but we can also see how we can strive to obtain that for ourselves.

Sozo is defined as make whole, heal, preserve, save, be whole, do well, save one's self, such as should be saved and be saved. These are also found in the Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible.

For this study we'll take a look at I Timothy 4:13-16,

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

This instruction is to the youth, of which Timothy was. He was exhorted to continue to read the scripture, to remember the doctrine, to exhort, to not neglect the gift that was in him. To help him along he was reminded to meditate upon the scripture, for as he continued to do the things he was taught he would not only save himself but those that would be hearing him.