The RCA affirms salvation through faith alone in Jesus Christ, grounded in the Reformed theology of the Canons of Dort. The RCA teaches that salvation is the work of God's sovereign grace from election through glorification; it cannot be earned or merited by human effort.

Justification is by faith alone, appropriating the imputed righteousness of Christ. Sanctification follows as the Holy Spirit's work of progressive transformation. The RCA affirms unconditional election (God's choice is not based on foreseen faith) and the security of believers in God's grace, though with some internal diversity on how unconditional election coheres with human responsibility.

The order of salvation (ordo salutis) reflects Reformed order: election, effectual calling, conversion (faith and repentance), justification, adoption, and sanctification leading to glorification. The Heidelberg Catechism's emphasis on assurance—that believers may be assured of their salvation—is central to RCA pastoral theology.