Ordo Salutus Question

I received another AOMin email this week that really challenged me. This email was asking whether faith or repentance comes first for believers. Having never defended (or thought in-depth for that matter) about this subject, it turned out to be quite enjoyable. Here's my response:

Hello Jeff,

Ah yes. Your question brings us to what is called the "Ordo Salutus" ... the "Order of Salvation." The Ordo Salutus refers to the order of the application of redemption.

The Apostle Paul lays out a framework in Romans 8:29-30:

Romans 8:29-30 ²⁹ For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; ³⁰ and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

Paul lists three acts in order of how they are applied to believers: effectual calling, justification, and glorification.

You asked whether saving faith or repentance comes first to the experience of believers. First off, both saving faith and repentance occurrs between the calling of God and justification. But which comes first? Let's consider a few more passages ...

When Paul responded to the Philippian jailer's question, "What must I do to be saved?" he replied: "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 16:31). Peter in response to the people's question in Acts 2, "What shall we do [considering we crucified the Lord Jesus]?" replied: "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). In Acts 20:21 Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that he had "solemnly declared to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus."

Paul tells the jailer to have faith in Christ. Peter tells the crowd to repent from sin. Paul commends the elders of their repentance and faith in God. Clearly there is a concomitance between faith and repentance - that is, they are interdependent on one another. So when one possesses saving faith in Christ they turn from sin; likewise when one turns from Christ they do so out of faith.

Therefore I don't believe it is proper to declare one occurring before the other. Consider them as a coordination, one with the other.

As a side note - faith is the sole instrument by which are justfied, as is defended throughout the New Testament. Nevertheless, repentance, as a response to God's effectual call, precedes justification.

I hope this is beneficial for you. If there's anything else I can for you, or you have further questions, please let me know.

In Christ,
Casey Ryan
AOMin