A. The “ordo salutis” or order of our salvation:
1. Salvation is one whole—it can not be cut into parts.
2. Yet there is a logical order in that salvation:
a. The order is true as far as our conscious experience of it is concerned.
b. Following the order, we can see what it is that God does in saving His Church.
B. What that order of salvation is:
1. Regeneration (rebirth; born again—John 3:3).
a. Negatively:
1) It does not follow conversion as Arminianism teaches.
2) It is not an act of man or to be equated with conversion.
b. Positively:
1) It is the seed of life implanted into our hearts (as the kernel of corn is planted into the ground).
2) It is implanted below our consciousness, that is, we are not aware of it when it happens.
3) Within the church, regeneration usually takes place at or near birth.
2. Calling (this is efficacious, that is, irresistible; it accomplishes its purpose).
a. External Call: comes through the preaching of the Word to the ear and mind.
b. Internal Call:
1) The operation of the Spirit which applies the Word to our hearts.
2) Thus brings the seed of life to our consciousness.
3. Faith:
a. Various “faiths”: historical, miraculous, temporary.
b. True faith:
1) It is both potential and actual.
2) The elements of saving faith: knowledge and confidence.
3) Faith is the means unto salvation.
4. Conversion.
a. This is the fruit of true faith.
b. Its idea:
1) A turning from sin to righteousness.
2) The visible evidence of God’s work in us.
5. Justification (to make just):
a. This is man’s legal position before God’s law; his state.
1) Includes: forgiveness of sin.
2) And: adoption unto sons.
b. Steps of justification (1) eternal; (2) on the cross; (3) in our consciousness; (4) in the day of judgment.
6. Sanctification (to be made holy):
a. This is man’s actual condition before God.
b. It includes:
1) Deliverance from the defilement of sin.
2) Renewed in the image of Christ.
3) Enabled to walk in all good works.
c. Its relationship to justification:
1) Justification is a judicial act; sanctification is a spiritual ethical act.
2) Justification is the ground of sanctification.
3) Justification is a single act; sanctification is continuous.
7. Preservation (and perseverance).
a. Our salvation is accomplished in Christ.
b. Therefore God keeps us:
1) That the wicked do not destroy us spiritually.
2) Nor that we can fall away from that grace in Christ.
8. Glorification: the end of the work of salvation in us.