Ordo Salutis

The Ordo Salutis (literally "order of salvation") is a theological idea that in the salvation of a man there are definite events that take place, and that they take place in a certain order. Of course, there are differing opinions amongst theologians as to how many events and what order, but this is not just a thing that theologians made up to have something to think and write about. The Ordo comes directly from Romans 8.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:28f; NIV)

So, according to Paul, the order of salvation goes:

• foreknowledge
• predestination
• calling
• justification
• glorification

Some theological types add a step here or there or separate Paul's steps into multiple steps - all generally justifiable through other bible verses. Here is a discussion of the various forms of the Ordo.

But the thing that is really useful here is the assurance it gives of one's salvation. If you think about it, If you can feel any of these steps or processes at work in your life then you know the previous ones must have happened and the later steps are still to come.