Ordo Salutis (Latin)
“The order of salvation”
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.
What Are the Purpose and Results of Salvation?
- Godward: God is glorified
- Manward: man is justified, sanctified, and glorified
The Holy Spirit in Ro 8
- Frees us from sin and death
- Enables us to fulfill God’s law
- Changes our nature
- Empowers our victory over our flesh
- Confirms our adoption as God’s children
- Guarantees ultimate sanctification
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.
1Pe 1:1a, 2a
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…
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 Decree
God’s assurance that whatever He decided in eternity past will come to pass in time. It is absolute and without contingency.
God’s Predestination
As part of His immutable decree, relating to salvation, God predetermines the “destination” of all human beings (whether passed over or condemned in their sin).
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 Decree
God’s assurance that whatever He decided in eternity past will come to pass in time. It is absolute and without contingency.
God’s Predestination
As part of His immutable decree, relating to salvation, God predetermines the “destination” of all human beings (whether passed over or condemned in their sin).
What Are the Purpose and Results of Salvation?
- Godward: God is glorified
- Manward: man is justified, sanctified, and glorified
