APOSTOLIC THEOLOGY: ORDER OF SALVATION

This is a simple introduction to the core doctrines that give structure to the gospel of God’s grace. The emphasis here is on the work of the triune God in salvation, not the responses of sinful man.

For those who are suspicious or skeptical of systematic approaches to the study of scripture I encourage you to read the Book of Romans. There you will find a biblical example of “apostolic/systematic theology.”

The biblical basis for an order of salvation is Paul’s order of salvation that appears in Romans 8:28-30.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called [elected] according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called [evangelized], and those whom he called [evangelized] he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

As you can see, my own concept of the order of salvation is based on Paul’s concept. The flow of grace and truth is from eternity into history and back into eternity.

[ ETERNITY PAST ]

+ Election: God called and chose a people for himself from all the nations, tribes, languages, and peoples of the world to the praise of his glorious grace. God’s church is, by definition, an eclectic people—a called out community. (Rom. 9:11, 16; Eph. 1:4; 2 Ths. 2:13,14; Titus 1:1-3; 2 Pet. 1:10)

+ Predestination: God purposed to adopt his called and chosen people as sons and daughters and to conform them to the image of his one true son Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:28; 13:48; Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:4-5, 11)

[ HISTORY ]

+ Creation (generation): God created the heavens and the earth. God made man in his image. (Acts 17:24-27; Rom. 1:18-20)

+ Degeneration: The first Adam sinned and the entire human race was plunged into sin and death. (Rom. 5:12-14; Eph. 2:1-3; 2 Cor. 4:4)

+ Redemption: God worked to save his called and chosen people by sending the Last Adam (Jesus) as the Savior. By the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross God’s chosen ones, his sons and daughters, are rescued from sin and death and reconciled to God. (1 Tim. 1:15; Gal. 3:13; Rom. 3:23-25; Titus 2:14; Col. 1:20-21)

+ Regeneration: God causes his called and chosen ones to experience new birth—aka, conversion—by the power of the Holy Spirit and the gospel. (Acts 13:48; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Titus 3:4-8; Gal. 4:29)

+ Justification: God declares his children righteous by his grace through their faith in the atoning blood-sacrifice of Jesus. (Rom. 3:24; 5:1-2; Gal. 2:16; Titus 3:7)

+ Adoption: God adopts his sons and daughters into his family. (Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5; Rom. 8:15) 

+ Sanctification: God and his children work together for ongoing spiritual maturity and moral purity. We work out what God works in. (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Ths. 4:3; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 12:14)

+ Consummation: God will send Jesus and the angels to judge the living and the dead. The end of history. (1 Ths. 4:15-17; 2 Pet. 3:10; 2 Ths. 1:5-10)

[ ETERNITY FUTURE ]

+ Glorification: God’s children will be raised up and transformed for eternal life in the new heavens and new earth, the home of righteousness. (Rom. 8:18-22; 1 Cor. 15:42-44)