In the early 1800s people believed that only a select group could be absolved of their sins. How did these beliefs change during the Second Great Awakening?

During the Second Great Awakening in the early 19th century, beliefs about salvation shifted significantly as the movement emphasized individual piety and the potential for all people to achieve salvation through personal faith and repentance. This democratization of religion encouraged the idea that anyone, regardless of social status or prior sins, could seek forgiveness and be saved. Revivals and emotional preaching also played a key role in fostering a sense of spiritual empowerment among the masses, leading to a more inclusive understanding of grace and redemption. The movement ultimately contributed to the rise of various reform movements and greater social activism rooted in religious conviction.