God "wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth." This doctrine has many profound implications, for what God desires is eternally good and will certainly come about. We may reflect: which comes first - salvation or the full knowledge of the truth? The question leads us to greater reflection on what Jesus has done for us and then on the person of Jesus himself and who he is for us.

The name "Jesus" means "God saves", as the angel announced to Joseph (Mt 1:21). Jesus saves us by being many other things for us: the light of the world, the Good Shepherd, the bread of life, the true vine, the gate of the sheepfold, the resurrection and life, the way, the truth and the life.

Salvation is twofold: Jesus saves us from our sins and sinfulness, and so saves us for God, that we might be what God created us to be: children of the Father in union with Jesus, Son of God.

Salvation and truth are very closely bound together. Jesus promised that we will know the truth and the truth will make us free. Salvation is true freedom from sin and freedom to belong truly and entirely to God.