Why the Capital Letters Matter.

By Pastor Terry – DocBMedia.com

Understanding 'God' vs. 'gods' and 'Salvation' vs. 'salvation.'

I want to take a few minutes to discuss something that may seem small on the surface — but I assure you, it carries considerable weight. It’s the kind of thing that, once you see it, you can’t unsee it. I’m referring to capital letters in the Bible. Words like God and gods. Salvation and salvation. One little letter can make all the difference in the world and eternity.

Let’s start with God — capital G

When you see “God” written with a capital G, you’re lookin’ at the name and title of the One True and Living God — the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob… the God who parted the Red Sea, sent His Son, and is still saving souls today. Capital “G” isn’t just a matter of grammar. It’s a glory mark. It tells you this is not just any god. This is THE God.

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Now look at gods — little g

When you see “gods” with a lowercase g, that’s a whole different crowd. These are the false gods — the made-up ones, the man-made ones, the idols folks chase when they don’t know better or don’t want better.

Exodus 20:3 – “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Now, let’s talk about Salvation — capital S.

When you see “Salvation” with a capital S — especially in Scripture — it’s pointing to the whole work of Jesus Christ. Not just the moment you got saved… but the full plan of God to rescue, redeem, and restore mankind.

Psalm 98:2 – “The Lord hath made known his Salvation...”

But then there’s salvation — lowercase s

It usually refers to a moment or a benefit of the greater Salvation God provides. You might say, “The Lord saved me from that accident.” That’s wonderful. But lowercase “s” salvation is part of the house, not the whole blueprint.

Psalm 18:2 – “The God of my salvation...”

So, Why Do the Capitals Matter?

We live in a time when folks blur the lines. They’ll say, “All gods are the same.” Or “Any salvation is good salvation.” But the Bible doesn’t say that. Jesus said He is the only Way. So yes — the capital letters matter. They tell the truth in a world full of counterfeits.

Want to Go Deeper?

Here are scriptures to study further:

Capital G – God

- Genesis 1:1 – The Creator of all.

- Exodus 3:14 – “I AM THAT I AM.” Eternal existence.

- Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that He is God.

Lowercase g – gods

- Exodus 20:3 – No other gods before Me.

- Psalm 96:5 – Idols of the nations.

- 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 – Many called gods, but only One is real.

Capital S – Salvation

- Psalm 98:2 – God’s plan revealed.

- Luke 2:30-32 – Simeon calls Jesus God’s Salvation.

- Isaiah 62:11 – Salvation is coming — the King.

Lowercase s – salvation

- Psalm 18:2 – Personal deliverance.

- Isaiah 12:2 – God is my salvation.

- Ephesians 6:17 – Helmet of salvation — defense for believers.

Final Thought: Let Every Letter Preach

The next time you’re reading your Bible — or even posting online — pause before you type or speak the words' God' and 'Salvation. ' One is a person, not a category. The other is a gift, not just an experience. Don’t let a lowercase letter rob the glory that belongs only to the Lord.