Order Of Salvation

One of the greatest principles of theology is the order of events in our salvation. There were things done before we were born, obviously, Christ came and died for our sins 2000 years ago. But before that there were things determined before the world was created. 1 Peter 1:18-20 (KJV) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. Revelation 13:8 (KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Before the world was created it was decided that Christ would die for the sins of the world!

However our personal involvement was decided before the world was created! Ephesians 1:3- (KJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 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. This passage of scripture written by Paul is intended to produce comfort and security in the hearers. (good news is always included in the introduction of a letter!) Rather we are lead by preachers today to believe that it is a scary fact that we are predestinated and we have no choice. Remember this God is always just and fair in his dealings with us.

One hundred and fifty years ago a preacher said: "But do you know the limit of it? Christ has bought a ‘multitude, which no man can number’ (Revelation7:9). The limit of it is just this: He died for sinners; whoever in this congregation inwardly and sorrowfully knows himself to be a sinner, Christ died for him. Whoever seeks Christ shall know that Christ died for him; for our sense of need of Christ and our seeking after Christ are infallible proofs that Christ died for us." -Charles Spurgeon

Also important is the order of our personal salvation, here and now. First understand this as sinners man is dead spiritually to God. Ephesians 2:1-5 (KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). What can a dead man do to save himself? Nothing! Isn't he suppose to repent? How can a dead man repent?

If we are to be saved and we are dead to God spiritually then something must take place with us for us to repent. We have to be quickened. That means selection; very specific and special selection and that is what we call election. This is the grace of God.

The first thing to take place is regeneration. Quickening is regeneration or the new birth. Some people call this an awakening provided for us to make a decision for Christ, but this is not consistent with the concept of being dead in sin. If we are given a choice then it is not grace anymore but a cooperation of man with God and that does an injustice to God's loving decision to save us.

Charles Spurgeon said: "I pause once more; for I hear some timid soul say, ‘But, sir, I am afraid I am not elect, and if so, Christ did not die for me.’ Stop, sir! Are you a sinner? Do you feel it? Has God the Holy Spirit made you feel that you are a lost sinner? Do you want salvation? If you do not want it, it is no hardship that it is not provided for you; but if you really feel that you want it, you are God’s elect. If you have a desire to be saved, a desire given you of the Holy Spirit, that desire is a token for good. If you have begun believingly to pray for salvation, you have therein a sure evidence that you are saved. Christ was punished for you. And if now you can say, ‘Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling,’ you may be as sure you are God’s elect as you are sure of your own existence; for this is the infallible proof of election—a sense of need and a thirst after Christ.”

What must I do? If you ask that question you are regenerated and all you need to do is Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. Acts 2:38-39 (KJV)

Now I have given a shallow presentation of the subject of the order of salvation. There is so much more to be said. Perhaps I am participating with God in your calling and election. Maybe you are experiencing this wonderful quickening and you are comming to a new life in Christ. Rush as soon as possible to a good church where they preach the Word and have a way to baptize you. Now tell the preacher you are already saved and have repented and received remission of sins. Don't let him tell you differently. Insist he baptize you as soon as possible.
If he won't go to another Church.

Let me know if perhaps I have been helpful, my e-mail is ldpage@bellsouth.net