The Order Of Salvation

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, we read these important words: "But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth."

This verse sets forth an order of salvation which is common to everyone who is beloved of the Lord.

First, they were chosen of God from the beginning (from the foundation of the world—Ephesians 1:4-5).

Second, they are sanctified (set apart) by the Holy Spirit in the new birth.

Last, under the sound of the gospel,they believe on Jesus.

Some have ignorantly suggested that God chooses His elect because they will believe or have believed.

This error ignores the plain truth of scripture which says that, "As many as were ordained to eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48). It does NOT say as many as believed were ordained to eternal life. Jesus said in John 3:3, "Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God." He does NOT say except a man see the kingdom of God he can not be born again.

So the Bible is crystal clear on the order of salvation. God chooses, the Holy Spirit sanctifies or gives a new birth, then the sinner who was ordained to eternal life, believes.

May we all bless God for this Christ exalting and man humbling truth of Scripture!

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.