The ordo salutis refers to the logical and chronological sequence of the divine work of salvation in the soul of the believer. While the Reformed tradition generally emphasizes the monergistic work of God in election, effectual calling, and regeneration as the root of faith, it acknowledges that justification, adoption, and sanctification are benefits that accompany or flow from union with Christ.
The ordo salutis, or 'order of decrees,' explores how God executes His eternal plan in time. According to the 1689 LBCF Ch.3 §6, those whom God has elected are 'effectually called unto faith in Christ, by his Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by his power through faith unto salvation.' This sequence underscores that salvation is not a product of human initiative, but a sovereign work of grace. As the Apostle Paul writes, 'For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.' Romans 8:29-30.
In the Reformed faith, the ordo salutis serves to highlight our total dependence on Christ. The Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.32 clarifies the benefits received by those who are effectually called: 'They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.' This teaches us that we are 'more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, and more accepted and loved in Christ than we ever dared hope.' We do not perform these steps to earn standing; rather, because we are accepted in Christ, we receive these graces as the fruit of His finished work.