introduction

In this series, the topic of discussion is the Ordo Salutis, which is Latin for The Order of Salvation. It deals with the steps or stages in salvation that transform a sinner into a saint. These steps will be the focus of the articles that will follow.

The concept of salvation was in God's mind from eternity, before God's act of creation, as described in Genesis chapters one and two.

The reason for the salvation of mankind is that every human being is born a sinner and condemned to hell.

There is a logical order in which salvation takes place:

  • calling,

  • conversion,

  • regeneration,

  • sanctification,

  • and glorification.

Calling logically comes before conversion and leads to it. Conversion comes before regeneration and is a prerequisite for new birth. Being a new creation is a prerequisite for sanctification. Sanctification prepares the believer for glorification. 

Various appeals to respond to the gospel suggest that conversion leads to regeneration and sanctification (Acts 2:38; Acts 16:31; Acts 26:18; 1 Cor. 6:11). Man repents and believes, and as a result, God saves and transforms. This seems to be the pattern throughout the New Testament.

When discussing a logical order, it is important to note that we are not referring to a chronological sequence. Conversion, regeneration, and sanctification happen simultaneously. God regenerates the individual based on their repentance and belief and sanctifies them.

Calling is God's offer of salvation to all people through Christ (Isa 1:18; Isa 45:22; Mat 11:28; 1 Cor. 1:9).

When God calls a sinner, it results in awakening. Awakening refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in which individuals become aware of their status as lost sinners. The Spirit not only uses the Word as a means of awakening, but also directly influences the minds and hearts of people (Luke 24:45; Acts 16:14).

Once awakened, a sinner becomes convicted. Conviction is the work of the Spirit that brings a sense of guilt and condemnation due to one's sins (John 16:8), highlighting personal responsibility.

Responding to God's call leads to conversion, which marks the beginning of the Christian life. Conversion includes two inseparable aspects:

  • repentance

  • and faith.

Repentance is the negative part of conversion, involving the sinner turning away from sin and abandoning it. 

Faith is the positive aspect of conversion. It is the means by which the sinner turns toward Christ. Through faith, the repenting sinner lays hold of the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Regeneration is the other side of conversion. It is God’s transformation of individual believers.

Human beings are spiritually dead and therefore need a new birth or a spiritual birth. The concept of the new birth is best explained in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus told Nicodemus, “no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again” (v.3 – GNB). Later in the discussion, He commented, “Do not be surprised when I tell you that you must all be born again” (v.7 – GNB).

Rebirth is the true spiritual transformation of a person, involving changes in their relationship with God. Important aspects to consider include justification, adoption into God's family, union with Christ, and sanctification.

  • Justification refers to the restoration of a right relationship with God. As stated in Romans 3:22 and 24, "God makes people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe … All are made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift through Christ Jesus, who sets them free" (GNB).

  • Adoption involves being welcomed into God's family. John 1:12-13 explains, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (GNB).

  • Union with Christ: It is important to note the numerous references to the unity between Christ and the believer. One of the fundamental references in this regard portrays the believer and Christ as being “in” each other. 1 Corinthians 1:30 states, “And because of him (God) you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (ESV).

  • Sanctification is the process of being set apart and dedicated to God. The believer belongs to God. Sanctification occurs immediately at conversion and continues throughout one's life. It involves God transforming and aligning a believer's character with His will. The Holy Spirit applies the work done by Jesus Christ to the believer's life.

  • The final step is glorification, which is the last stage of salvation. Glorification is when believers are transformed to be like Jesus Christ. This transformation happens at the second coming of Christ. Glorification marks the end of God's plan for redemption and the full completion of sanctification.

Next week we will discuss God's ultimate purpose for salvation.

Bible versions: English Standard Version (ESV); Good News Bible (GNB)