The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith explains Christian salvation as God’s healing and elevating work, accomplished through Jesus Christ and communicated by the Holy Spirit. Addressing contemporary forms of individualism and purely interior spirituality, it identifies a new Pelagianism that trusts self-reliance and a new Gnosticism that rejects the body and material world. Against both, it affirms that creation is good, the whole person needs redemption, and Christ is the unique Savior who unites humanity to God.

Salvation is a concrete participation in Christ’s life through the Church, its relationships, and its sacraments. Baptism begins this incorporation, while the sacramental life sanctifies the body and forms believers for works of mercy. Grace remains primary, but human cooperation bears fruit in love. The Church proclaims the Gospel to all, including other religions, while awaiting Christ’s return, the defeat of death, and the full communion of body, soul, humanity, and creation with God.