Category: Theology 101
Doctrine of Man
Ordo Salutis is a Latin phrase employed by theologians to delineate the order of salvation. This order is a logical order, not necessarily a chronological order. Some of the events are synchronous. The list is intended to communicate the order as considered in terms of cause and effect. The primary agent in the ordo salutis is the Holy Spirit.
The biblical order is:
First, foreknowledge and predestination. Before the foundation of the world, God set His affection upon select individuals and elected them to be saved (Eph. 1:3f, Rom. 8:29). Foreknowledge, in this case, cannot be simple awareness, for God is aware of everyone’s existence whether they are believers or unbelievers. God’s foreknowledge of the elect is an intimate love and benevolence. Those whom He determined to love, He also determined to be conformed to the image of His Son.
Second, external calling. The plan of salvation for the elect includes the historic encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith is required of men for salvation, but no one can have faith in something or someone of whom he has never heard (Rom. 10:13-17). Therefore, God ordained that His chosen ones would hear the good news; this is the external call.
Third, effectual calling. This is sometimes termed the internal call (in contrast to the external call). Wherever the message of Jesus is proclaimed, the external call is given. However, not all believe the message. The difference between those who believe and those who do not believe lies in the internal call. For the elect, God accompanies the external call with an operative, internal, moral persuasion of its veracity. This work of the Holy Spirit moves the hearer of the gospel to trust in Christ. This call inexorably produces an effect (Acts 13:48; John 6:37).
Fourth, regeneration. This is the new birth (John 3:3f), the spiritual life which is required to understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:12-16).
Fifth, conversion. The regenerate person now experiences a change in his thoughts, feelings, and desires. Where he previously opposed the things of God, now he welcomes and receives them. Where the gospel once seemed silly and mythical, now it is thought to contain the words of eternal life (John 6:68). In a word, the sinner believes in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Sixth, justification. The person who has faith in Jesus Christ is justified (Rom. 3:28), that is, he is considered just before God. If God, the ultimate Judge, regards a person to be righteous, who can possibly bring a charge against him (Rom. 8:33, 34)? To what higher court would a prosecutor appeal? The believer’s sins are forgiven.
Seventh, sanctification. Now that the elect person is reckoned holy, he needs to bring his actions into conformity with his position. This is the process of sanctification. The Holy Spirit works in the heart, mind, and will of the believer to put to death the deeds of the flesh, and to put on the new self according to the image of God (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5-11). This sanctification course will continue throughout the life of the believer, because God will ensure that it continues. The man of faith will persevere in sanctification (Phil 1:6). He may encounter bumps in the road, but God will see that he reaches the goal.
Seventh, glorification. The person who is foreknown, predestined, called, regenerated, converted, justified, and sanctified will end up in glory (Rom 8:30). Though he dies, he will live again. However, in the glorification he will be rid of all the weaknesses and frailties of the earthy, and will exist in a heavenly, incorruptible state (1Cor. 15:35ff). He will be without sin or the possibility of sin. It will be true paradise.