Salvation

The Order of Salvation

Confessional Text

In salvation, God graciously calls⁷⁶, regenerates⁷⁷, justifies⁷⁸, adopts⁷⁹, sanctifies⁸⁰, and glorifies⁸¹ sinners. He does this in a manner that is consistent with the free agency of man⁸², and brings together all the means necessary for the end of their salvation⁸³. It is the infinitely wise, holy, and glorious display of God's goodness, ruling out any boasting on the part of the one who was saved, rather, demanding and promoting great humility from the formerly helpless, hopeless, hellbound sinner⁸⁴.

Scriptural References

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John 6:44

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

Romans 8:29

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

[77]

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope

[78]

Romans 3:20-26

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight

[79]

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father'

[80]

John 17:17

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth

[81]

Romans 8:30

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified

[82]

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:9-10

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

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Romans 8:28-30

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God

[84]

1 Corinthians 4:7

For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive?

All scripture quotations are from the ESV (English Standard Version).

Historical & Theological Background

Reformed theology developed the ordo salutis (order of salvation) to show how God applies salvation to individuals: calling, regeneration, conversion (faith and repentance), justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. Each step is God's gracious work, though humans respond in faith. This order emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's work from beginning to end, leaving no room for human boasting. It shows salvation is not a one-time event but a comprehensive transformation.

African Contextual Commentary

Many African Christians have an incomplete view of salvation, focusing only on an initial conversion experience without understanding the full scope of God's saving work. This statement presents salvation as God's comprehensive plan: He calls us (often through the gospel), regenerates us (gives new life), justifies us (declares us righteous), adopts us (makes us sons), sanctifies us (makes us holy), and will glorify us (perfect us forever). Every step is God's work, producing humility and gratitude. This also corrects the false teaching that salvation can be lost easily—God who begins the work will complete it (Philippians 1:6).