Is the word 'saved' a scriptural word used by Paul?
Yes. Paul repeatedly uses 'saved' throughout his letters, as seen in passages where he writes that the preaching of the cross is the power of God unto salvation for those who are saved. The term derives from the root word salvation and is a scriptural word, not merely a narrow or uncommon expression.
Les teaches that the word 'saved' is indeed scriptural and that Paul uses it over and over. He recalls a lady asking him not to use 'saved' because it sounded narrow, preferring 'converted' or other terms. In response, he went through Paul's letters and found Paul saying 'saved, saved, saved.' He connects it to the preaching of the cross: to those who perish it is foolishness, but to those who are saved it is the power of God unto salvation. Les explains that 'saved' is another English term from the root word salvation and is used even in everyday language, as when someone is saved from financial bankruptcy. In the same way, believers are saved from eternal doom if they believe. The context also notes verse 2: 'by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory,' meaning if you know and understand what was preached, lest you have believed in vain.