Introduction

But in your case, dear friends, even though we speak like this, we are convinced of better things relating to salvation.

Hebrews 6:9 (NET)

What is salvation? Why do humans need it? And what is its process? The doctrine of salvation essentially teaches how humans are condemned to an eternal hell by a just and righteous God because of their sins. However, instead of condemning all of humanity without any hope of redemption, God provided a means of salvation, so that the condemned may become righteous and dwell eternally with him in a place of blessing.

Though an individual’s salvation happens instantaneously—at a moment in time—there is a traceable process to the experience. Theologians call this ordo salutis, which is Latin for the order of salvation.¹ In Romans 8:30, Paul describes many aspects of this process. He says, “And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.” In this study, we will consider salvation by exploring some of the elements within the order of it, the gospel message, and theological issues associated with salvation such as, “Why does God elect people to salvation?” “How does a believer become more like Christ?” “Can a believer lose his salvation?” and “How does a person know if he or she is truly saved?” The intent behind studying these is that we’ll be able to know the true gospel in contrast with a false gospel, gain wisdom to grow in our sanctification, develop hope in our future glorification, and increase our sense of awe and joy in the great salvation that God planned for us. May God abundantly bless your study and give you transforming insight!

Copyright © 2020 Gregory Brown

Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

BTG Publishing all rights reserved.