Note 9 at 1 Tim. 2:15: The first phrase that we need to look at in this verse is "she shall be saved." This is not referring to the woman being saved from sin, as in the born again experience (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92). Paul speaks of her and her husband continuing in faith. He would not say that about a couple who were not born again. The women Paul was referring to were already Christians.

It is the Greek word SOZO which was translated "saved" here, and as described in note 7 at Acts 2:21, p. 580. SOZO refers to more than forgiveness of sins. "It is used in the New Testament, of the healing of a sick person in the sense that he is saved from illness and from death (Mark 5:34 `made whole,' SOZO). It is used in the sense of being saved from drowning in a shipwreck (Acts 27:20). Paul uses it in relation to being saved from becoming entangled in false teaching (1 Tim. 4:6)" (Wuest's Word Studies, Vol.2, pgs.49-50). SOZO literally means "to keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction" (Thayer's Greek Lexicon).

Therefore, the women being saved in childbearing refers to physical and emotional well being, not the forgiveness of sins. This scripture promises safe delivery of their child to the couple (see note 12 at this verse) who are seeking the Lord (see note 11 at this verse).

Misinterpretation of this verse is where the Mormons get their authority for polygamy. They believe that women are saved (forgiveness of sins) through childbirth. Therefore, men are obligated to get as many women pregnant as possible. That, of course, is not what this verse is teaching.

Note 10 at 1 Tim. 2:15: This gives us a very important piece of information about the temptation of Adam and Eve which isn't totally clear from just the Old Testament account of Genesis 3. In Genesis 3:6, it is revealed that Adam was with Eve during her discussion with the serpent. We weren't told what Adam was thinking.

This verse shows us that Adam didn't fall for the serpent's deceit. He knew that eating the forbidden fruit was not going to make them more like God. Eve was deceived, but Adam knew what he was doing.

That raises a new question. Why did he do it? If he knew he was going to die instead of becoming more like God, why eat? The answer isn't spelled out in scripture; therefore, we can only speculate. It is possible however, that Adam ate with full knowledge of the consequences because of his love for Eve and desire to not be separated from her. That would be a type of what Jesus did for us.

Note 11 at 1 Tim. 2:15: The word "if" in this verse makes this promise about being saved in childbearing (see note 9 at this verse) a conditional promise. It is not conditional in the sense that the couple must earn God's blessing, but they do have to believe the Lord for this benefit. It doesn't come automatically.

Note 12 at 1 Tim. 2:15: Notice that it is not just the woman who has to continue in faith, charity, and holiness with sobriety. This scripture says "they" have to continue. This includes the husband in this process.