The Ordo Salutis Conference

From a Christian perspective, where did the idea of salvation originate? When I use the term salvation, I mean it from the Biblical use of the word; which refers to lost sinners entering into a saving relationship with their Divine Creator. Hence, who came up with the plan to reconcile sinners? Or, is there a plan at all? If so, how is this spiritual deliverance accomplished, and who is responsible for the implementation, application, and completion of this plan? To dig even a little deeper, who should receive the credit for the achievement of this great act of redemption … if such a feat exists?

These are some of the questions we hope to ask and answer this year at Memorial Heights Baptist Church at our Theology Matters Conference. April 12-14, our church is hosting a conference on the Ordo Salutis. Now, don’t let that Latin phrase fool you, or intimidate you. It simply means the order of salvation. The Christian faith teaches, that God, by His unmerited grace has originated, implemented, and will accomplish this wonderful act of granting eternal life to every single person who savingly trusts in Christ Jesus. The Ordo Salutis teaches there is a logical order and Scriptural sequence to the unfolding of the achievements necessary to complete this gracious act.

Let me list these distinct teachings in the normal arrangement given. But understand, these doctrines are more than just Divine achievements, they are also Biblical truths, clearly taught in Scripture that reveal to us the order of salvation. The Ordo Salutis is as follows; Election, Calling, Regeneration, Conversion, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Perseverance and Glorification. When these truths are properly taught and ordered, they reveal that salvation is completely an act of grace, for which God alone deserves glory. 

Let me quickly flesh out and offer a short summary of the Ordo Salutis. First, though this truth is often rejected, the Bible declares that before the dawn of creation, God elected a people to Himself. Of His own Sovereign will, God chose certain individuals to become part of His family and recipients of His grace. Then in the fullness of time, the Lord Jesus Christ came and purchased redemption for these elect individuals. At some point in the life of these undeserving persons, the Holy Spirit comes and in glorious efficacious power calls that sinner out of darkness and into light. The Spirit does this by revealing the Gospel and convicting the stony heart of these elected ones of their sins against God. God’s Spirit then regenerates this person and grants them repentance towards God the Father and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. At that moment, they are converted, justified, and adopted into God’s family. The Spirit will then begin to progressively sanctify this person more and more from who they were, and into the image of Christ. These born-again believers, kept by the power of God, will persevere throughout life until that wonderful, wonderful day, when they will be wholly glorified and the sin nature completely eradicated.

Now, there is a sense in which these doctrines logically unfold in an obligatory order. But like most things, if this subject is pressed too hard, it will distort the truth it is meant to reveal. For example, when the Holy Spirit comes in the day determined by God’s gracious providence and grants spiritual life to a person; at that moment they are instantaneously regenerated, converted, justified, and adopted. There is no space of time between these Divine actions. However, there is a logical order to them. Since the Bible teaches the unsaved are spiritually dead, then of necessity, regeneration precedes faith and repentance.

Someone might suggest, well – isn’t all this a little too much for the average Christian to comprehend, or expected to know? Or shouldn’t a study like this be confined to a seminary classroom, and not the local church? I would pushback against that mindset and insist, the deeper our understanding of theology, the higher our doxology. Or said another way, the more we know about God’s gracious plan of redemption, and the more fully the Chrisitan comprehends what all God has done (is doing, and will do) for them, the loftier our praise.

So, come join us this weekend and learn more about the Order of Salvation. At 7:00PM on Friday night, we will hear more about Election and Calling. On Saturday, at 10:00AM, we will consider Regeneration and Conversion. Saturday afternoon at 2:00PM we will hear sermons on Justification and Adoption. Then finally on Sunday, at 10:00AM, two speakers will address the subjects of Sanctification and Glorification.

Simply stated, this conference is intended to cause all men to marvel at God’s perfect plan of redemption and how He alone is author and finisher of the believer’s faith. When everything is said and done, salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Christians are Christians, only because God has graciously made them so. And there is a Divine order and Sovereign plan in this wonderful gift of salvation.

The Most Hated Doctrine in the Bible – Part 3

It has been my supposition in this series that the doctrine of Election is the most hated doctrine in the Bible. Again, briefly summarized, the doctrine of election teaches that before humanity was ever formed from the dust of the ground, in fact, before the vast universe was spoken into existence, God sovereignly choose an innumerable number of people to redeem. This undeserving (though yet uncreated) multitude are loved by the Father, rescued by the Son and quickened by the Spirit. Each and every one of those who were “given to Christ,” will be saved, sanctified and one day, glorified.

Often critics of the doctrine of election say God doesn’t only save a “select elect few.” I agree (partially). The elect children of God number as the grains of sand on the seashore or the stars of heaven. Incalculable by men, but each and every person individually ordained and loved by the Almighty. Just as God numbers the stars of heaven and calls them by name, so too will Jesus, the gentle Shepherd, lovingly draw every chosen sheep into the fold.

I realize, there is a large swath of Christianity that reject and refuse this doctrine. Yet I have sought to establish there is a plethora of Scriptures that substantiate this teaching. In the hope (however naïve it may be) it will provoke thought and study among born-again believers. Folks, it’s not like there are only one or two obscure passages that “may” support the doctrine of election. Instead, there are literally dozens. I could fill the rest of this page quoting verses that proclaim and explain the doctrine of election.

However, I don’t think the primary issue for those who deny this teaching stems from not seeing the word used repeatedly on the Inspired page. Or that serious Bible students think the matter too controversial, or unimportant or trivial. Rather I think people deny the doctrine of election because they don’t truly comprehend the radical depravity of man. If one truly understood the utter lostness and complete inability of unsaved sinners to appease God, I believe they would readily accept the doctrine of election.

Allow me to develop this thought.

The Bible asserts that humanity is totally depraved. That is, since the fall of mankind in the garden (Genesis 3:6-19), every single person on the planet is born with a sinful nature. To illustrate this truth, consider this: none of us have to teach our children how to lie, deceive or disobey. This behavior is undeniable evidence the human race is born with a sinful selfish nature. Of course, saying that all men are sinners, does not mean every person is as bad as they could be. Or even as bad as another person. Nevertheless, the Bible clearly states, that in our natural condition we cannot please God, nor do we seek after God. Romans 3:10,11 declares, “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.” As painful to our ego as it may be, the Bible affirms; outside of Christ, even our righteous deeds are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Sin has penetrated our very core, even to our soul. So much so that our heart is “deceitful and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). Humans, in our lost estate, love darkness rather than light, because our deeds are evil (John 3:19).

As if that isn’t damning enough, the Scriptures also present unsaved sinners as spiritually dead. Apart from the new birth, all of us are born with physical life, but not spiritual life. I cite Ephesians 2:1 “And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:5 reiterates this truth by stating, “even when we were dead in sins …” The word “dead” used in those passages means just that, dead or lifeless. From our natural birth, we are void of spiritual life. Without the enabling of God’s Spirit, we cannot understand spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:14) and further yet, the preaching of the cross is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18). Salvation requires the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit making the Gospel message real, to grant life to spiritually dead sinners.

Two last Scripture references from the words of Jesus in John 6:44 and 6:65, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him …” and “… no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” That seems pretty clear to those who have ears to hear!

However contrary it may be to modern psychology or philosophical views; God’s Word presents men in their true estate, morally bankrupt. Friends, lifeless corrupt sinners are simply unwilling and unable to appease a Holy God. Left to ourselves, all of humanity would be ultimately condemned.

When, and only when, one rightly grasps this truth, will they welcome the doctrine of election. As long as you continue to cling to some erroneous idea that you chose God rather than him choosing you, you’ll continue to deny the doctrine of election. If however, you will concede that we love Him because He first loved us; then you must admit, God alone is the active agent in regeneration.

Folks, humanity’s utter inability to approach God on our own proves this basic truth: had God not chosen us, we would never have chosen Him! Or simply stated, had God not chosen some, none would ever be saved!

The Most Hated Doctrine in the Bible – Part 2

At a recent conference, a small group of well-respected pastors and theologians assembled for a Q&A. Having submitted their questions in advance, someone from the audience asked the panel this question: if God is so merciful and long-suffering, why was the punishment upon Adam and Eve’s disobedience, so severe?After a brief explanation of humanity’s transgression and God’s justice, the late Bible scholar, RC Sproul, caught his breath, lifted the microphone to his mouth, eye-balled the crowd and unexpectedly barked these words, “What’s wrong with you people?!” “I’m serious,” he continued, “this is what’s wrong with the Christian church today … we don’t know who God is, and who we are!”

Folks, that was a not-so-gentle rebuke from an older seasoned saint who had grown weary with an ever increasingly anemic Christianity. Yet Sproul’s reprimand was both accurate and needful. While as a Baptist, I disagree on any number of issues with Dr. Sproul, we agree on this: the greater mass of Christianity today, have a skewed view of who God is. But equally as spiritually detrimental, we don’t rightly comprehend the sinfulness of sin inherent within all of humanity.

I begin this second article in this series with this opening story for this reason; this unfamiliarity within mainstream Christianity of the character and attributes of God, is a major issue. I submit, the vast majority of Evangelicals today have unintentionally created their own inaccurate conception of who God is, and what He would and wouldn’t do. I make such a bold claim, not because I have the wisdom and stature of someone like Dr. Sproul, but because it has long been my experience that anytime you began to discuss certain Bible subjects like, election and predestination; people immediately tell you that doesn’t fit their perception of God. Mind you, most often this perception is not based on what God says of Himself in His Word, but rather on their preconceived notion of what (they think) God should and shouldn’t do.

I need go no further to prove my point, than to give you a definition of the doctrine of election, and sit back and wait for the nay-sayers to shout, “God would never do that!”

In as few words as possible, the doctrine of election is: God’s unconditional and eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life. To clarify, this divine selection was not based on foreseen merit or faith, but only according to God’s mercy and grace. As unfamiliar or unlikely as that may seem, that is exactly what the Bible teaches.

I can hear the complaints already, “Wait a minute preacher, that’s not fair!” “God would never pick and choose some and not others!” Yet, again, that is exactly what the Bible says. I quote Ephesians 1:4-5, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”

You will note, this passage is not ambiguous. God chose us in Christ “before the foundation of the world.” You can deny the doctrine of election, if you so choose, yet these words remain.

Many Bible students are familiar with the wonderful promise of Romans 8:28, but what about the next two verses? Romans 8:29-30 read, “For whom he [God] did foreknow, he also did predestinate (foreordain) to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he [Christ] might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Again, if we do not muddy up the Inspired page with our erroneous concepts of what God would and wouldn’t do, verses like these are crystal clear. God, before the world was created, sovereignly chose a vast number of people from humanity to set His peculiar affection upon, and redeem for Himself. These people were predestinated (foreordained by the Father), called (by the Holy Spirit), justified (by Christ), and will one day be glorified. Salvation then is a Trinitarian work by the Triune God!

The redemption of fallen men was ordained by God, purchased by the Son and wrought by the Spirit. Therefore, we must fall before the throne of grace and say, to God be the glory! Great things He has done! If you are reading this article, and you confess Christ as your Savior … if you have repented of your sins and placed your faith in the finished work of the risen Messiah … then whether you realize it or not, this was God’s eternal purpose and design. It was predestined in eternity past, carried out in time and accomplished from start to finish by God alone. This glorious work was totally and completely to the praise of His glory and grace!

Let me remind those of you who think the doctrine of election is dangerous or even heretical, God is not obligated to save anyone. God is not indebted to us, but us to Him! If God chooses to save some, and not others, that is His Divine prerogative. Furthermore, God would be just as holy, pure and perfect if He never choose to save a single sinner. Folks, God doesn’t need us, we need Him!

Is your understanding of God’s character based on your own logic or on God’s Word? Is your opinion of what God would or wouldn’t do determined by human reasoning or by Scripture?

Just a couple verses for you to consider:
Psalms 135:6  Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

When rightly understood, the doctrine of election is a glorious teaching that magnifies the grace of God, and humbles mankind. That sounds like solid Bible theology to me!

 

The Most Hated Doctrine in the Bible – Part 1

What do you suppose is the most hated doctrine in the Bible? I ask this knowing there really is no definitive way to measure the answer to that question. In fact, someone might make a reasonable argument for some differing teaching than what I am suggesting. Yet four decades of church life, 20 years of ministry, countless conversations and some of the most unreasonable reactions to clear-cut Scripture, has given me a pretty solid proposition. Therefore, I suggest to you, the most hated doctrine in the Bible, is the doctrine of Election. However, before I proceed explaining and offering a Biblical defense of this truth, let me offer a couple disclaimers.

First of all, I love every single blood-bought, born-again child of God, even those who tenaciously teach against this doctrine. Within this community, I have close friends aligned with most every denomination. Some of whom will even read this article and adamantly disagree. But folks, we don’t have to agree on every single point of doctrine in order to fellowship as Christian brothers and sisters. We may wrangle over any number of truths, like the doctrine of election, or how much water it takes to Biblically baptize someone; but all believers are family.

Secondly, belief in the doctrine of election is not essential to salvation. Personally, I believe God’s sovereign electing grace is a major Bible theme that permeates both the Old and New Testaments. However, someone may be oblivious to this teaching, or absolutely wrong about this doctrine, and still be a born-again believer. Let me be clear, to be saved, you must believe in the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ in your behalf. Namely, that Jesus is the Eternal Son of God who became mortal; lived a perfect life, died for your sins and rose again that you might have everlasting life. Maybe you’ve never heard of the doctrine of election. Perhaps the word predestination has never been used from the pulpit where you attend church. Yet, if you are trusting in the finished work of God’s Messiah as your only hope for heaven, you are a Christian. One’s theological position on important, though non-essential Gospel truths, should never be used as a litmus test of true conversion.

Finally, however; and I cannot emphasize this strongly enough, theology matters. It matters deeply, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise! While it is true, there won’t be a doctrinal pop quiz at the Judgment Seat of Christ, still the Biblical truths we affirm (or deny) carry eternal value. It matters what you believe. It matters what you teach and what you are taught. If we love God, then we ought also to love God’s Word. Even those parts we may struggle to rightly understand.

Let me begin my defense of this truth by saying, I believe the doctrine of election is one of the most God-honoring and glorious truths in all of Holy Writ. Nothing so magnifies the grace of God and annihilates the pride of men, as the doctrine of God’s sovereign electing grace. Yet, if you have been around ecclesiastical circles for any measurable period of time, you know the doctrine of election often serves as an impassable divide between Christian bodies. There are some people (perhaps even some of you) who vehemently hate the doctrine of election. Yet, there are others who love this truth with the same tenacity. But when all is said and done, it really doesn’t matter what I say, or even what you say (sorry if that stings). What ultimately matters is; what does the Bible say? Or, what does the Bible teach? God’s Word is the final authority on all matters of theology.

The plethora of Bible verses that could be cited contrasted with the limited space allotted on this page, simply will not permit me to dive deeply into the doctrine of election in one single article. Therefore, I have chosen to address this all-important subject over the next few weeks. Assuming, that is, I have not been beheaded for heresy or banned from the paper!

I am going to ask (or in Biblical terminology, beseech and implore) that if you are new to this doctrine, or if you have been taught contrary to this doctrine, you will do like the saints of Berea and personally search the Scriptures to determine whether these things are so (Acts 17:11). Rather than a fleshly knee-jerk reaction to something that doesn’t seem to fit your idea of God, open the Bible to the verses that are offered and see what the Text actually teaches. At some point, Christians have to decide whether the Bible determines our theology, or if our fickle human reasoning determines what we believe.

Having said that, today I point you to one single verse, Acts 13:48 (though I’d encourage you to read the entire context). There God’s Word reads, “and when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” I’d like you to take careful note of the last few words from that passage. “as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” How many believed? As many as were ordained to eternal life! Not one more, not one less; but the exact number that God had (fore)ordained. That word ordained means, to appoint, to choose and yes, that is what the Bible actually says. God ordained on that day, in that place, through the communication of the Gospel, a certain number of people would believe … and that’s exactly what happened! God is Sovereign!

In truth, the doctrine of election is one of those truths that isn’t hard to understand, it’s just hard to accept. Hated, maligned, despised and denied, yet the glorious teaching of God’s electing grace still stands forever on the Inspired page.

Each of us should bow to this truth, and thank God for it.