Ordo Salutis (Latin)
“The order of salvation”
God’s Sovereignty & Man’s Will
The following are equally true Biblical doctrines:
- God sovereignly elects some sinners for salvation while passing over others,
- Man is held responsible for his belief or unbelief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Be On Guard for Satan's Lies
Good stewardship of God's Word is "by faith", not by our human rationalizations trying to explain God's ways. 1Ti 1:3-4
Biblical Terminology
- Contradiction: inherently unintelligible, a falsehood, a lie.
- Paradox: an apparent contradiction that under closer scrutiny yields resolution.
- Mystery: something unknown to us now, but which may be resolved.
An Example of a Paradox
God’s elective decree and man’s ability to make choices, particularly about salvation are a paradox to most Christians. It is not a contradiction to God. The reason(s) why God elects some and not others is a mystery to us.
Biblical Terminology
- Contradiction: inherently unintelligible, a falsehood, a lie.
- Paradox: an apparent contradiction that under closer scrutiny yields resolution.
- Mystery: something unknown to us now, but which may be resolved.
An Example of a Paradox
God’s elective decree and man’s ability to make choices, particularly about salvation are a paradox to most Christians. It is not a contradiction to God. The reason(s) why God elects some and not others is a mystery to us.
God’s Sovereignty & Man’s Will
The following are equally true Biblical doctrines:
- God sovereignly elects some sinners for salvation while passing over others,
- Man is held responsible for his belief or unbelief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The Will of an Unbeliever
A person in his natural estate will always spit the Gospel out of his mouth. Does this person freely choose this response? Indeed. God does not have to force an unbeliever to reject the Gospel. They do it naturally. Since it is their personal choice, God is righteous in sentencing them to Hell.
The Will of a Believer
A person whose heart and nature (mind, emotions, will) have been supernaturally changed by the grace of God will always choose Jesus as Lord and Savior. Is this a free choice made by a believer? Yes. God never forces anyone to believe.
What Are the Purpose and Results of Salvation?
- Godward: God is glorified
- Manward: man is justified, sanctified, and glorified
God’s Effectual Calling
There is a calling for believers only. (“for those who are called according to his purpose” - Ro 8:28)
God’s Foreknowledge
This isn’t merely intellectual knowledge; rather, it is akin to that “knowing” that Jesus referred to in Mt 7:23 “I never knew you”. God’s foreknowledge is eternal knowledge with a purpose that could never be thwarted.
God’s Elect
Those chosen by God. In the context of salvation, it refers to those whom He foreknew. Election and foreknowledge are the basis of God’s salvific decree.
God’s Foreknowledge
This isn’t merely intellectual knowledge; rather, it is akin to that “knowing” that Jesus referred to in Mt 7:23 “I never knew you”. God’s foreknowledge is eternal knowledge with a purpose that could never be thwarted.
