What does the word 'saved' mean?
The word 'saved' denotes a salvation, as in the secular world when someone is saved from financial ruin. Spiritually, it means the Gospel makes salvation possible; by this Gospel one is saved, standing in it and not believing in vain.
Les explains that 'saved' is a simple word, though many do not like it. It is used in the secular world and denotes a salvation—for example, being saved from financial ruin, or a rich uncle's death being someone's salvation because it saved him from ruin. The same term applies spiritually. Paul says this Gospel is what makes salvation possible, and by this Gospel we are saved. But Paul also says to keep in memory and know what you have believed, lest you believe in vain. The Gospel is not Methodist, Baptist, or Catholic; it is the Gospel.