Order of the Events in Salvation

A Possible solution

A possible order of the events in salvationmay be deduced (reasoned out) from Romans 8:29-30, combined with insights from other passages. The order of events in some cases are chronological, but many of the aspects may happen at the same time, making the order primarily logical (in man’s mind) rather than chronological:

Some of the steps listed are what God has put in place. All that show a v29, or v30, are listed in Romans 8:29-30. For each of the others, the specific scripture reference is listed beside it.

1. Foreknowledge―v29 — God’s Perspective

2. Predestination―v29 — God’s Perspective

3. Calling―v30 — God’s Perspective

4. Contrition ― Subject to Man’s free will, see 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) 10For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

5. Repentance ― Subject to Man’s free will, see Luke 13:3 (NKJV) 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

6. Faith ― Subject to Man’s free will, see Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) 6But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

7. Regeneration ― Subject to Man’s free will, see Titus 3:5 (NKJV) 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

If a person’s choice is to fulfill steps 4-7, God causes steps 8-12 to be accomplished; but if a person’s choice, by his own free will, is not to fulfill steps 4-7, the process stops. Steps 9-12 are privileges granted to the person for choosing to fulfill steps 4-7.

8. Justification―v30 — God’s Perspective

9. Reconciliation―see Romans 5:11 (NKJV) 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

10. Sanctification―see 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) 13…God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

11. Adoption―see Romans 8:15 (NKJV) 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption and belief in the truth,

12. Glorification―v30 — God’s Perspective – this ultimately happens when we finish sanctification, becoming like Jesus, which is when we get to heaven.

In Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) the Biblesays 8 “For My thoughts are not you thoughts, Nor are you ways My way,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher that the earth, So are My ways higher than you ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts,” therefore, until we get to heaven we must walk by faith and not by sight.

As believers, we must never abandon what we do know because of what we do not know.