Description
John Carter – June 7, 2026
A 10-week study on conversion using Michael Lawrence’s book Conversion: How God Creates a People (ISBN: 978-1-4335-5649-4).
The Order of Salvation in the Reformed View[1] (ordo salutis) {vs. Arminian[2]}
- Election/Predestination (Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:29-30):
This is the foundation of salvation, referring to God’s eternal choice of individuals for salvation in Christ, based entirely on His grace and purpose, not human merit. - Gospel Call (Romans 10:14-17):
The outward proclamation of the gospel to all, calling sinners to repentance and faith in Christ. - Inward Call (John 6:44; Romans 8:30):
The work of the Holy Spirit in effectively calling the elect, drawing them to Christ in a way that infallibly leads to salvation. - Regeneration (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5):
The Spirit’s sovereign work of renewing the heart, enabling the sinner to respond in faith and repentance. Regeneration is the beginning of the application of redemption, bringing the individual into spiritual life and union with Christ. - Conversion (Faith and Repentance) (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21):
The sinner, now regenerated, responds to the gospel by trusting in Christ (faith) and turning away from sin (repentance). These are distinct but inseparable aspects of conversion and are both gifts of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 2:25). - Justification (Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16):
The legal declaration of righteousness, based on Christ’s imputed righteousness, received through faith alone. This is the forensic aspect of salvation, wherein the believer is pardoned and accepted as righteous in God’s sight. - Adoption (John 1:12; Romans 8:15-17; Galatians 4:4-7):
Following justification, God not only declares us righteous, but also receives us into His family as beloved sons and daughters. Through union with Christ, the only begotten Son, believers are given the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” Adoption grants us full rights and privileges of God’s household, including intimacy with the Father, the inheritance of eternal life, and the Spirit’s witness that we belong to Him. It is not a mere legal formality, but a vital and affectionate relationship, confirming that salvation is not only about pardon but also about belonging. - Sanctification (Romans 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:23):
The ongoing work of the Spirit in making the believer holy, progressively conforming them to the image of Christ. While distinct from justification, sanctification flows necessarily from it and is inseparable in the life of the believer. - Glorification (Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44):
The final stage of salvation, where the believer is fully conformed to the image of Christ, receiving a glorified body and dwelling eternally in the presence of God.
[1] https://www.monergism.com/ordo-salutis-0
[2] The Arminian view generally sees faith as preceding regeneration, emphasizing human response as the condition for God’s saving work.
Christian Ministry Training is a ministry training program for teachers and leaders at First Baptist church of Fortuna, CA (www.fbcfortuna.com).
Musica Theologica 