Salvation from First to Last: A Discussion on the Ordo Salutis

(This is the first article in a series on the Ordo Salutis. Watch the podcast episode on Election here!)

As Christians, we proclaim the gospel. This “good news” is the message of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We present this message appealing to the authority of Scripture alone and seeking to live for the glory of God alone.  

The Five Solas I reference here are one helpful way of understanding the principles of the Reformation which we believe apply to all who would bear the name “Christian.” We may disagree on certain matters of ecclesiology (how the church is to be structured) or eschatology (how the future of God’s promises will unfold in time), but our commitment to these principles is foundational to all our doctrine and devotion.

It is helpful to order our thoughts on these important doctrinal matters. We may not always be able to explain all of the intricate weaving of the thread, and we may be left with a great deal of mystery, but we can at least see the patterns. One particular area in which this rings true is the area of soteriology (theology of salvation). It is in seeking to understand our salvation as accomplished and applied. How does it all work? How do all the pieces fit together and what is their logical order?

Salvation from First to Last: the “Ordo Salutis”

In theology, the technical term for this logical progression concerning salvation is the ordo salutis. Don’t worry, you will not be quizzed later! What is important here is that we understand what is being communicated and why it matters. In that respect, this article serves not as a full explanation but as a primer to the conversation.

What is Being Communicated in the “Ordo Salutis”?

Within this framework of the ordo salutis, we consider the logical order of how salvation is applied to us, not so much as the progression of events in time but how each piece of this puzzle fits logically. It is a consideration of salvation from first to last in terms of how salvation being applied to us—in other words, how we are saved.[i] For those of you who learn better visually, Tim Challies has a helpful graphic of what we are discussing that can be found here.

From the Reformed/Calvinistic perspective, this “order of salvation” could be listed in varying degrees of specificity. Depending on where you look, you may find a list with as many as 9 or 10 aspects or as few as 4 or 5. For the sake of brevity and clarity, I think it is helpful to introduce you to a shorter list, taken directly from Romans 8:29-30.

“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. 30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

As you read through those two verses, you are able to see the following logical progression of how redemption is applied: 1) foreknowledge, 2) predestination, 3) calling, 4) justification, and 5) glorification.

Some have referred to this passage as presenting a “Golden Chain of Redemption.”[ii] In presenting this logical ordering of the application of redemption, each new link is inseparable from the previous. These are all of one work, accomplished through the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, and with the end goal of conformity to him in glorified bodies. 

Why Does It Matter?

While there remains mystery in the work of salvation, and while our hearts may never fully scan the infinite depth of God’s mercy, he has given us a picture of this magnificent work. God has given us a clear message: good news of salvation through Jesus. This gospel is sufficient to save, even if our understandings fail.

We accept the mystery, but we proclaim the revelation. God is sovereign in and through every aspect of life, including, and most powerfully in applying the saving work of Christ to sinners. This is what it means, and this is why it matters. Hopefully, that helps to frame the conversation for you. Stay tuned for a second article that will consider this ordo salutis in more detail.

[i] It should be noted here that “lists” concerning the order of salvation often assume the act of redemption accomplished by Christ through his life, death, and resurrection. Others will include this as “atonement.”

[ii] Allen Nelson has written a helpful article on this very point, bearing the title of this old phrase.