The Anglican Concept of Salvation

To Anglicans, salvation is the redemption of sins and eternal fellowship with God. Traditional beliefs in salvation are a product of both Catholicism and reformed Protestantism. The Anglicans strayed from their Catholic roots and accepted the predestination doctrine of John Calvin (1509-1564). This is the belief that God has chosen only a select few to receive eternal salvation. Traditional Anglicans also believe that the sacraments of baptism and communion are essential for salvation.

The Church of England, or Anglican Church, began in the 16th century as a reform movement away from Catholicism. The Anglicans broke away from the Roman Catholic Church when the pope refused to grant an annulment to the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. The split culminated in 1558, when Elizabeth I ascended to the throne. While Anglicans maintain strong ties with their Catholic ancestry, the Anglican Church became part of the reformed Protestant movement led by Calvin during the Reformation.

In 1801, Anglicans accepted the 39 Articles of Religion, and Article XVII refers to the predestined belief in salvation common among reformed Protestants. God has chosen an elect few to receive salvation, and salvation is not available to all others regardless of their works on earth. Traditional Anglicans believe that humans should follow the Articles of Religion, participate in the sacraments and hope that they are one of the chosen to receive salvation. In modern times, this concept is controversial.

In the Anglican religion, there are seven sacraments, but only two, the Dominical sacraments, have been handed down from Jesus. The first is baptism, as signified by the baptism of Jesus. It is the sacrament of repentance of sin. The second is the Holy Communion, signifying the last supper of Jesus and his sacrifice for mankind. Traditional Anglicans hold that participation in these two sacraments is necessary for redemption and salvation.

While traditional Anglicans tend to be reformed or Calvinistic in their belief in predestination, many liberal Anglicans have strayed from this doctrine. The concept of predestination contrasts with Lutherans and other Protestants, who believe that salvation is open to all who accept it through Jesus. Those who do not accept the doctrine of predestination also believe that humans can fall from grace through bad behavior. Reformed Protestants believe the chosen cannot fall from grace.