A response to Baptism in the Ordo Salutis

A response to Baptism in the Ordo Salutis by Corey Reynolds, pastor of Hoosier Prairie Baptist Church in Louisville, IN.

    I agree with you completely about the necessity of baptism in the Ordo Salutis. I think the exceptions to the rule are still a very large sticking point between Campbellites and reformed Protestants. I could be wrong on this (and if I am, please someone correct), but it has been my understanding that most Campbellites believe that baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation, not that it absolutely follows salvation. Just like the thief on the cross, on rare occasions it is not possible for someone to be baptised due to time concerns in the persons life.

    The best scriptural illustration that I've been able to find is that of the tree or vine (John 15). Some things in the Ordo Salutis are necessary for the "grafting" on to the true vine (salvation). However, some things (as you said Corey) come later in the process as fruit. I believe that faith, baptism, and perseverance are all examples of this kind of fruit. These may or may not have a chance to come to fruition if a believer's life is cut short, but physical death does not strip us from the life-giving vine.

    On another note, I am curious why you have sanctification so far down in the order. I haven't given much thought to the Ordo Salutis in a while so I am a little fuzzy, but it seems like should come before faith and repentance. (I can see justification from the discussion of Abraham in Romans 4.) I know there is a part of sanctification that produces a change in a believer's behavior, but is not sanctification at its core having our righteousness found in Christ? Doesn't Paul seem to put adoption late in the order in Romans 8:23 as still being eagerly awaited. And yet he already refers to believers as saints in several places and from context that is definitely no claim on their behavior. Like I said, I haven't looked at this in awhile, so I may be missing some Scripture and as always am willing to submit my beliefs to Scripture.