Salvation is termed 'great' due to the immense cost incurred, the nature of our sinful condition, and God’s holiness.
The designation of salvation as 'great' revolves around several key truths. Firstly, it acknowledges our desperate condition highlighted in passages such as Psalm 25:11, where the psalmist declares, 'for thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.' Our sinful state demands an extraordinary remedy. Secondly, its greatness is further emphasized by God's holiness and justice, as reflected in Romans 5:9, which states that we are justified by Christ's blood and saved from God's wrath. This is unmatched by any earthly power or situation. Lastly, the cost of salvation—Christ's sacrificial death on the cross—is of divine significance and demonstrates the depth of God's love for His people. Therefore, when we refer to salvation as 'great,' it encapsulates the entirety of God's mercy, justice, and love manifested through Christ.
Commentary