Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. -Ps. 119:18

I am sometimes involved in discussions about the process of salvation. In Reformed circles, it is sometimes called the Ordo Salutis (Latin for ‘order of salvation’). Sometimes, there is contention when one says that a person must be regenerated by God (born again) before anything can happen. Yet, despite anybody’s feeling about it, it is very much rooted in the pages of Scripture as undeniable truth. If we are called by God, we respond and experience regeneration. To say differently, that we somehow are able to make a decision first, implies we actually have something to do with causing our salvation. In reality, the Bible makes it clear that our redemption takes place entirely because of the grace of God. In our natural fallen state we are “dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1 states the following: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

How often did Jesus speak to people who heard the words, but had no idea Who was speaking them, nor were they able in any way, shape or form to comprehend them? At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. -Matthew 11:25

Clearly, understanding that we are saved only by the grace of almighty God is key to our faith. Our faith is imparted once we have been called by the Sovereign Creator & Ruler of the universe. Many will cry “foul!” and say that God’s ways are not fair. Perhaps not, by our limited human understanding, but be assured that God has reasons of His own to “have mercy upon whom He will have mercy.” For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. -Romans 9:15