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 brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)

Regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification have been studied by numerous theologians. They are all connected. Some theologians spend much time studying the Ordo Salutis (the order of salvation). The order of salvation is explained in Romans 8:29-30. No other words are needed. Once the Holy Spirit comes into a person at the appointed time by God’s plan, he is called for regeneration. From God’s point of view, this order of salvation is strictly for men’s understanding. God has chosen people to be His children before creation and shape them to be like Christ. That is the order of salvation. It is not something that men can speculate on. The Ordo Salutis has been discussed much because of people in churches who do not have the assurance of salvation. Those who have received the assurance, do not need more than Romans 8:29-30.

Regenerated men are surely justified, sanctified, and glorified. All is done by Christ and the Holy Spirit. Since the understanding of sanctification has become crooked, I’d like to talk a bit more about sanctification. Those justified are inevitably sanctified. The sanctification is immediate. Some may say it is continuous, but one does not become holier than before. Being holy or holiness is the unchangeable status of an elect. However, our knowledge grows over time and our faith gets strengthened. Our deeds naturally reflect our faith and knowledge of God. Therefore, the changes in our deeds become more obvious over time. However, this change may not be something men can recognize. Some people can fool others by their deeds. For example, one may confess faith before members of a church congregation, go to church for many years, participate actively in church activities, study the Bible, study theology, and/or become an elder of a church without having the Holy Spirit. One may even become a minister or a theologian. This is actually happening all around the world because theology has become men-oriented. We cannot say a person is a saint (reborn) just because he/she recites the Creeds and the Reformed confessions. But we are led by people in churches to believe that these are the signs of a saint. We cannot know who is a saint by merely observing deeds. We must remember that Arius fooled many by his pious life. However, God gives His people the assurance of salvation through His words by the Spirit. This is a gift of God, and it cannot be taken away by men’s efforts.

Salvation is not only about being saved from the second death. Salvation also indicates being born again as an adopted child of God, being co-heir with Christ. It is impossible for a person being saved from the second death and not being an adopted child of God. Ministers and theologians focus much on sin and punishment but not on this adoption and the kingdom of God. They say that sin, punishment, and the emphasis on the Law keeps the antinomians away. That is what the Reformed theologians and ministers intended in the 17^th century. But they are guilty of using the heretical doctrine (the AOC) to control many people and leading them to legalism and false piety. A saint is born of water and the Spirit from heaven to become a part of the priestly kingdom, which is God’s ultimate purpose of creation. This work of salvation is done by Christ and by the Holy Spirit according to the Father’s plans. Christ speaks the same thing in John 3:5.

… Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5)

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people. (Titus 3:4-8)

Salvation is the sole work of God as all the Apostles confess in the NT. When God saves a person, He sanctifies him/her by His power. If anyone says, we have the Holy Spirit so we can initiate good works or God wants us to do good works with Him, he does not know how sanctification works. If we do anything good in the sight of God, we must know that the good works are from the Holy Spirit and yet, God invites us to be glorified together with Him. For that, we praise God for His love, kindness, and mercy. Our regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification happens because of what Christ (Truth) did – washing us and sending us the Spirit. Wrong understandings of sanctification leads wrong understandings of salvation and vice versa.

Not to us, LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, because of Your truth. (Psalm 115:1)