The Concept of Salvation in Early Christianity

The Concept of Salvation in Early Christianity by Michael Young offers a comprehensive exploration of how the early Christian Church developed its understanding of salvation. Through historical analysis and theological reflection, this book traces the evolution of salvation from its roots in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles to its refinement by early Church Fathers like Irenaeus, Augustine, and Origen. Young examines the central role of key Christian doctrines—grace, the sacraments, the resurrection, and the role of the Church—in shaping the believer's journey toward eternal life. The book also delves into the debates surrounding the scope of salvation, such as the tensions between universalism and exclusivism, and how early Christians navigated issues of faith, free will, and predestination. With an emphasis on the integration of philosophy, the impact of heretical movements, and the theological underpinnings that defined salvation, The Concept of Salvation in Early Christianity provides a deep, insightful analysis of how early Christians understood the transformative power of salvation in both personal and communal terms.