Salvation sequence chart

whetstone,

A good explanation of the Sovereignty of God in Salvation.

I have used the term Multifacted Gem in a similar manner to explain those things that occur in Salvation. The different facets are described below. They are not necessarily presented in chronological order as some occur simultaneously. However Regeneration must precede Conversion and Faith must precede Repentance.

Salvation, A Multifaceted Gem

Salvation, the blessing of grace, is that work of the Triune God by which He eternally redeems and reconciles to Himself those chosen in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world [Ephesians 1:4], freeing them from bondage to sin and His holy wrath. That salvation is purchased by the blood of the Incarnate Son [Romans 5: 9; Hebrews 9: 14; 1 Peter 1: 18; 1 John 1: 7; Revelation 1: 5; Revelation 7: 14], the blood of the everlasting covenant [Matthew 26: 28; Hebrews 13: 20], and is made effective in the life of the elect by the Holy Spirit through union with Jesus Christ. Salvation from beginning to end is entirely by the Sovereign Grace of the Triune God.

Salvation, the blessing of grace, is a once for all time occurrence in the life of the elect. However, as we see explicitly in Romans 8:28-30, and throughout Scripture, there are a number of events that are associated with salvation. In some of these man takes an active roll but in most of them he is entirely passive. If we consider salvation, this blessing of grace, as a multifaceted gem, we may better appreciate both the gift of salvation and the work of God, in particular God the Holy Spirit, in the salvation of those whom God the Father, before the foundation of the world, has chosen in Jesus Christ.


1. Regeneration

The initial event in salvation is regeneration, the theological term synonymous with ‘rebirth’ or ‘being born again’. Regeneration is solely the work of God the Holy Spirit whereby those who are spiritually dead in trespass and sin are made spiritual alive and are brought into union with Jesus Christ; they are saved [Ephesians 2:1-9]. Whereas the unregenerate person has no disposition, interest, or desire for the things of God the regenerate person is a new creation and is now receptive to the ‘effectual call’ of the Holy Spirit.


2. Union with Jesus Christ

Union with Jesus Christ is an integral part, a condition, of God’s electing grace, occurs simultaneous with regeneration, and is solely the work of God the Holy Spirit. Martyn Lloyd-Jons in his book God the Holy Spirit notes that “our spiritual life is drawn directly from Jesus Christ. We are sustained by Him through the indwelling Holy Spirit.” Furthermore, it is through this union that all the blessings of salvation are bestowed upon the “true believer” [Ephesisns 1:3,23; 2:4-7].


3. Effectual Calling

Insofar as man himself is aware, the initial event in salvation is the effectual calling of the Holy Spirit. It is an observable fact that not all who hear the Gospel accept it and come to salvation. Some do and some do not. The Apostle Paul tells us why in 1 Corinthians 2:14, KJV. Jesus Christ vividly demonstrate this difference between the effect of the gospel call on the unregenerate man and the regenerate man in the parable of the sower [Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23].


4. Conversion

Conversion is the result of conscious act of a regenerate person in which he responds to the effectual call and turns to God in faith and repentance. Conversion is in reality an acknowledgment that one has experienced regeneration. It is important to realize that conversion is a personal transaction between God and man. Therefore, since no two people are alike we should not expect that they will have the same conversion experience.


4a. Saving Faith

Saving faith is an essential aspect of conversion and, though exercised by man, is itself a gift of God [Ephesians 2:8,9] The prophet Habakkuk who writes [2: 4b]: the just shall live by his faith, is echoed by the Apostle Paul in that great faith chapter of the New Testament, Hebrews 11, which clearly demonstrates that faith is, in fact, a way of life.


4b. Repentance

Like faith repentance is also an essential aspect of conversion. Jesus Christ teaches:

Luke 13:3, [1769 KJV]
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

However, the repentance associated with conversion must be proceeded by faith, that is, a person cannot truly repent of his sins against God until he believes that he has sinned against God. If salvation is completely by grace then repentance must also be the gift of God. Faith and repentance are twin graces.


5. Pardon

A righteous God cannot overlook sin for the wages of sin is death [Romans 6.23]. Man is not a sinner because he sins but man sins because he is a sinner. As such he is subject to the wrath of God [Romans 5:12, Romans 1:18]. The penalty for sin could be paid only by the death of one who was without sin, Jesus Christ [1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 2:24, Philippians 2:8, Romans 8:3]. All who exercise God given repentance obtain forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Forgiveness implies deliverance from the penalty of sin. It is Jesus Christ who turns us from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God [Acts 26: 18] so that He can deliver us from the wrath to come [1 Thessalonians 1:10].


6. Justification

Justification is a judicial act whereby the unjust sinner is declared righteous in the sight of a just and holy God. John Dagg in his Manuel of Theology [page 265] notes that justification is a higher blessing of grace than pardon. Pardon frees from the penalty that follows sin, justification frees us from the guilt of sin. Justification is by faith alone [Romans 5:1] and that faith itself is the gift of God [Ephesians 2:8,9].


7. Adoption

God adopts as sons all who believe in Jesus Christ [Galatians 3:26, 1 John 3:1, Romans 8:16,17]. Although we are called the sons of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, because of our union with Jesus Christ, this does not mean that we occupy the same position relative to God the Father as Jesus Christ [John 10:30-33, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-10]. When God the Son took upon Himself the form of man He laid aside His Glory but not His Deity. Though we are called the sons of God by adoption, as noted earlier [Section 2.3.2.1], we will never be divine.


8. Sanctification

The Holy Spirit continues to sanctify those whom He has regenerated and finally prepares them fully for the service and enjoyment of life in the presence of God. Sanctification has two aspects, positional and progressive. In each case the Holy Spirit is the instrument of sanctification. Positional sanctification, being set apart for God, occurs with regeneration. Progressive sanctification occurs as the believer grows in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ [2 Peter 3:18].


9. Perseverance or Security of the True Believer

The doctrine of the ‘Perseverance of the Saints’ or the ‘Security of the True Believer’ is one that is cherished by most Baptists. [Freewill Baptists believe that a true believer can loose their salvation.] As far as I am aware only the Baptists and Presbyterians among all denominations hold to a strict doctrine of the ‘Perseverance of the Saints’ or the ‘Security of the Believer’. The statement from the 1677 [or 1689] Baptist Confession of Faith [Lumpkin, Baptist Confessions of Faith, page 272] expresses both thoughts as shown in the following excerpt:

Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, and given the precious faith of His elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and calling of God are without repentance, (whence He still begets and nourishish them in Faith, Repentance, Love, Joy, Hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality).

10. Assurance of Salvation

If we do not believe that True Believer’s are kept by the power of God and will persevere to the end it is doubtful that we can ever have any assurance of our salvation. Therefore, every passage of Scripture that demonstrates the security of the believer should provide the believer assurance of that security. The first basis for assurance is the testimony of the Word of God. The second basis for assurance of salvation is subjective. The Apostle John tells us [1 John 5:10]: He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself. That withess is the indwelling Holy Spirit


11. Glorification

God will bring to glory those He has saved through the sacrifice of His Son. Glorification is the final facet on the gem of salvation. Redemption is complete, the sin struggle is over. We who are heirs and joint heirs with Jesus Christ [Romans 8:17] will be like Him for we will see Him as He is [1 John 3:2].

 

Whetstone, Take the time to read this.

These were believes that Paul is talking to, and he speaks of "the hope of salvation"? Don't you think if these people Paul is writing to were ELECT, that they would already possess salvation and not have it as a hope? They hope for salvation because they do not already possess it! Win Salvation? Just what does it mean to "win salvation"? Why do you think that this passage should be the first on the "Salvation sequence chart" when Paul is speaking to those who were hearers of the word and came to believe because of that word? Oh, I know, they were regenerated so that they were able to hear and believe....right? Hogwash!

Yes, we are redeemed and yes it is ALL the work of God, save for our own faith which PAUL URGES the Corinthians to have and thereby be reconciled to God.

Again why does Paul tell Titus, "so that...we should become heirs IN HOPE of eternal life", if we are already saved? Seems to me that Titus was a believer...Titus 1:4. To Titus, true child of mine in the faith that we share.

As for verse 5, it is merely part of Paul's statement which comprises verses 4 through 7, where Paul reiterates his teaching that our salvation is not of works, that it is entirely of God, a generous gift of His grace to those who have faith in Jesus.

Do you believe this has already happened? Does the house of Israel have a new heart? Does the house of Israel indeed trust in God, Obeying all of his laws?

Oh, but you mean to apply this to the new covenant don't you? Make the connection! BUT, use ALL the context!

CONTEXT IS Everything.

Sure sounds like Paul is looking at John 17 to me.

 

Now that really surprizes me that you suddenly have no interest in refuting scripture.

I hope that means that you considering the erroneousness of calvinism as represented in that chart.

 

saved - salvation to those who believe. The fact that one who believes and is saved will continue to read and study and obey - does not abolish the fact of salvation just as stated above - at the time we believe.

Salvation comes to the one who confesses and believes. Then we go on to follow in the works of obedience – including water Baptism


In Rom 10 the sequence is the expected Arminian sequence.
#1. Believe in Christ after hearing the Gospel as you are being DRAWN to God
#2. This is a step toward God in righteousness
#3. Confess that you know believe and you will be “born-again” forgiven and saved!

By contrast the “expected” Calvinist sequence is
#1. Regenerated by God – forgiven, born-again “Alive and IN Christ”.
#2. Discover that God has saved you and that you are already born-again.
#3. Believe in the one that has put you in this saved state of existence.
#4. Confess that you are not only born-again and alive-in Christ, but NOW you also believe!

Notice that the “expected” Arminian sequence also appears in Acts 26 -

#1. Eyes opened by the preaching. Paul needs to go and be used by God to Open their eyes to truth.
#2. They need to CHOOSE to turn from darkness to light. (Christ is the one who coming into the world enlightens all mankind)
#3. And having turned – to be transferred FROM the dominion of Satan TO The dominion (Kingdom) of God. (Born again) Child of God.
#4. Having transitioned into God’s kingdom they are forgiven and saved. </font>[/QUOTE]

 

From the Calvinist POV posted in the OP and onward --

1. Regeneration (Born again new creation)
2. Union with Jesus Christ
3. Effectual Calling
4. Conversion
4a. Saving Faith (the New Creation's first reponds to its Father)
4b. Repentance
5. Pardon
6. Justification

We see that this declares the BORN-again saint - the Newly Created Christian, the Called and converted to be not yet PARDONED - in fellowship with Christ but NOT forgiven AT ALL! (until step 5 in the sequence).

Even so - I notice how perfectly that posted scenario here FITS the one I ALREADY posted for Calvinism --

But when I POSTED it - Calvinist here howled as if I had posted a rude Arminian slander of Calvinism!!!

http://www.baptistboard.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/35/1515/3.html#000035

How "gaming" of them!!

In Christ,

Bob

 

</font>[/QUOTE]Hi ya bob,

If i'm a calvinist...does this mean i can only go by your list? or...can i make my own based on the bible?


let me know...thanks..


In Christ...james

 

You can do anything you want. But I since my list is only a summarized and shorter version of the one posted here by CAlvinists - one would "Think" that your objection to the list would have started when the Calvinists here posted it.

WAiting for an Arminian to comment on the SAME points already listed by Calvinists BEFORE Calvinists object to Calvinism is what I have been calling "shell gaming".

For example - JohnP posts some pretty wild things - but it is left for Arminians to point out his errors since Calvinists hesitate to clarify their positions.

In Christ,

Bob

 

john speaks for himself. so do i. you should speak for yourself...but not for john or me.

pointing out errors are part of the debate. i will point yours out...and you better point out mine. just do not read my mine.


OK..i'll stop on this. I have hit you on every tread. so now i will stop with my point.

do as you wish. I as a calvinist can make my own list.

OK..i'm done. now on with the debate

sorry for being a pain


In Christ...james

 

Praise the Lord--He knows them that are His.

He is also able to keep them that are His.

Selah,

Bro. James

 

As I said - I refere to "Calvinism" and to "Calvinists" in general

Often assuming the 3 or 5 point model (usually the 5 point one).

Someone may say "I am in fact a 3 Point Calvinist" and I will then try to focus specifically on 3 point Calvinism.

What I try to avoid is "you sir are in error".

I prefer to make the discussion about models and how well they do or do not work than about a person being "wrong".

In Christ,

Bob

 

Whetstone,


Very good order that lines up with the Bible

I’m not pure Calvin so I will give my list for your thoughts…or James 30 points

1) God Is
2) God Made
3) Lucifer was given choice…His own will…or Gods will.
4) Lucifer did not choose God and in his choice he made evil or the sin principle
5) God made man with only GOOD (it was good)
6) God gave man a choice. In this choice was Gods will of no apple…or mans will of the apple.
7) God promised man would die the VERY day he chooses his will over Gods will.
8) Man picked his own will over Gods will and sinned.
9) Because of Sin, man was spiritually dead and had a new father..Satan
10) Because of the fall man also went from GOOD to an evil heart.
11) Because of this sin nature/evil in the heart man also sins
12) All mankind was place on its way to hell…just from a Holy God.
13) God promised a redeemer to save
14) God choose a nation FOR NO REASON AT ALL (grace) and GAVE His WORDS..(Ten Commandments..in heb is..10 words)
15) The WORDS are given to remind man of the nature of a Holy God.
16) The Words are also to remind man how unholy he is and a need of the promised one.
17) Those that believed in the promised one were saved though faith in the promise.
18) God also gave his choose nation a picture of salvation though many rites.
19) Christ came (the word)
20) Christ invited all to Him
21) Christ Died
22) Man, just as God promised, was dead spiritually and did not understand the call.
23) God elected to share His love with me
24) The Holy Spirit leads someone to show me the gospel.
25) The Holy Spirit worked on my heart and opens my eye.
26) Salvation was now clear to me.
27) Once I was blind..Now I see

I understand…His death was an atonement for SINS I had
I understand….The wages of MY sin (death) was covered from the eyes of God…as if I never sinned
I understand….Christ also redeemed ME from the slaves of the sin principle….giving me this new light of understanding

28) I CHOSE God…..how can I resist?

29) Now with understanding I see God sent SOMEONE to share.
30) God loved me from before the world was formed.

PRAISE GOD

The whole battle from start to finish is Gods will…or mans will


Just the flow..as I see it. You could add other things…but the idea is close to this

I’M SURE SOME WILL ASK…where do you put the 3 “I understands”…after 27?

Hey…anywhere you want. No big deal to me..for at some point…redeem/atonement is only for…or only applies to the saved person.

FROM MY VIEW


In Christ…James

 

Given your definition of Grace in point 14 - would you also claim that point 23 is that same kind of "Grace" as in "for no reason at all" God elected you but not the one next to you?

In Christ,

Bob

 

You should have read my post more carefully.

 

The post from Spurgeon seems to agree with the initial idea of "sequence" as in "order".

If there is some other order - please show it.

In Christ,

Bob

 

Spurgeon gives an abbreviated list. If I were to give an abbreviated list different from Spurgeon's I would simply quote Romans 8:29, 30:

29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30. 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.

I am not going to argue over the chronology of events in Salvation other than those I have already listed in my initial post and again in response to your earlier post..

 

Well since your intial post DOES give a numbered sequence (an ordered list) but then you deny the order that it presents --- not much else to say.

 

Bob,
I said in my initial post that the events were not presented in chronological order. I have explained that fact on two additional occasions. I agree you don't have much to say but do you get some esoteric thrill by calling others a liar?

 

It seems no one is interested in the scriptures used in the Graphic. It is those scriptures in their context that render the graphic UNTRUE!